MADISON- For Madison Academy’s Mya Clark, the time was well worth the wait. The dynamo softball player is having a banner sophomore season after playing in just five games over the past two seasons.

The “Big Hurt,” so nicknamed by her father, through 16 games of the 2021 Mustangs’ schedule is batting .649 with 9 homers, 30 RBIs and nine stolen bases while pitching 33 innings recording 47 strikeouts and a 6-2 won-loss record. Overall, Madison Academy is 14-2 on the season.

The remarkable softball travels of the 5-foot-10, 155-pound Clark began as a seventh grader when she was a varsity starter for the Lee High Generals of Huntsville. She attended the Academy of Academics and Arts and played for the Generals where she took to shortstop and pitcher. Her father wanted her to be more challenged both academically and athletically and through conversations with Madison Academy head softball coach Dean Clark chose to enter the private school. Upon entering her new learning center, and according to Alabama High School Athletic Association rules, was forced to sit out and miss her eighth grade softball season.

“I was able to practice with the team, but attended games as a team manager,” said the 15-year old Clark. “At the time we only had one strong pitcher and I felt bad as I couldn’t help the team. The time away from games, but still able to work out, got me ready for that summer’s travel ball.”

The talent the young player possess was well showcased in her summer play with the D-1 Vision Premier travel team, which featured players from throughout the Southeast and games constantly on the road. The only child to Greg and Shondra Clark was quickly drawing the attention of college scouts even before she reached high school.

“I have received school questionnaires from all over the country,” said Clark. “Right now, I’d love to play for either Tennessee or Texas as I’m looking to earn a degree to become a nurse anesthetist.”

“She does lots of things very well as she’s big and strong and can pitcher as she throws hard and is very affective,” said head coach Dean Clark. “She can play anywhere we need her. She definitely will be a Div. I prospect.”

Her freshman season a year ago was also cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Mustangs played just five games before having to close the schedule. Again, Clark took advantage of the time away from games by working out, becoming stronger and fine-tuned her pitching talents.

“This season, I’m loving it as I was bummed about last year,” added Clark. “I’m trying to help get us to the playoffs and do our best on the field.”

Clark once took lessons in dance, piano and violin and was urged to excel in a musical talent so to be able to attend the Academy of Academic and Arts. When she has time she also dabbles in some community service. Clark and her family currently reside in nearby Ardmore and makes the trek to Madison Academy each day where she carries a 3.9 grade point average.

Her nickname she carries with her comes from the fact she’s strong at the plate and has been hit by pitches many times in her attempts to pound the softball. Each time she grabs the bat and makes her way to the batter’s box she draws a cross in the dirt. “I do that knowing no matter what I do at my time at the plate it’s not the end of the world and God will give me more chances,” said Clark.

Having the enormous patience through her down time away from competition made her stronger and helped her understand nurturing her talents meant to wait her turn, which she now sees was well worth the wait.