Clara Strack doesn’t need to make noise to command attention. At 6-foot-5, the sophomore forward from Buffalo, New York, has built her basketball legacy on quiet determination, relentless work ethic, and a calmness under pressure that few can match. Her understated demeanor has earned her the nickname “Big Smooth” from Coach Kenny Brooks, who once praised her ability to stay composed, saying, “Nothing shellshocks her.” Strack’s steady rise has been fueled by talent, resilience, and the ability to seize every opportunity—and now, she’s making waves at Kentucky.
From High School Dominance to College Stardom
Strack’s basketball journey began in Hamburg, New York, where she quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with. Her high school career was nothing short of spectacular, as she rewrote record books with 1,384 career points while averaging an eye-popping 24.4 points and 16.2 rebounds per game in her senior year. Her remarkable performances earned her New York’s Class A Player of the Year honors and a highly coveted spot on Virginia Tech’s roster.
At Virginia Tech, Strack’s patience and work ethic paid off. Initially waiting behind established players, her time to shine came when All-American center Liz Kitley suffered a season-ending injury. Strack stepped into the spotlight and delivered in monumental ways. In the NCAA Tournament, she scored 17 points on a flawless 7-for-7 shooting against Marshall and followed it up with an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double against Baylor. Brooks, never one to shy away from bold statements, declared, “She is going to be a star.” In truth, she already was.
Kentucky WBB's Clara Strack earned national honors, along with four other players, following her outstanding performance against Arizona State and No. 19 Illinois last week. 🥳🥳
Strack's per game stats:
18.3 points
11.0 rebounds
4.0 assists
2.8 blocks pic.twitter.com/tNFY7Duw6r— Katie Hutchison (@KHutchisonKSR) December 3, 2024
A New Chapter at Kentucky
When Coach Kenny Brooks transitioned from Virginia Tech to Kentucky, Strack made the bold decision to follow him to Lexington. Her grandfather, Ron Strack, lauded the move, describing it as “super” and emphasizing the trust Clara and her family had in Brooks’ leadership. “We never doubted her choice,” he said, highlighting the familial environment Brooks cultivates.
At Kentucky, Strack has seamlessly adapted to her new surroundings, quickly establishing herself as a cornerstone of the Wildcats’ roster. In her debut season with the team, she’s averaging an impressive 15.6 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 30.9 minutes per game. Her versatile skill set has made her an indispensable asset, and her leadership has brought an infectious energy to her teammates. According to Ron, Clara believes “there’s no ceiling for this team,” a mindset that mirrors her own limitless potential.
Kenny Brooks knows that Clara Strack is going to be a star, and as it seems most likely, he is going to make her exactly that at Kentucky: pic.twitter.com/5KVkS9UgzT
— Zachary Ozmon (@Ztozmon) April 2, 2024
A Family Transformed by Her Journey
Clara’s journey hasn’t just shaped her—it’s transformed her family. Once casual sports fans, her grandparents have become passionate followers of women’s basketball, attending nearly all her games and even diving into the WNBA. “Clara’s turned us into rabid fans,” Ron shared with pride. Reflecting on her early days, he recalled that Clara’s athletic focus once leaned toward baseball before her passion shifted to basketball. “Lucky for Wildcats fans, that change happened,” he added with a chuckle.
Kentucky women’s basketball slaughtered No. 19 Illinois, 76-53, closing the game on a 23-5 run.
Clara Strack led the way with 25 points and 15 rebounds on her birthday. pic.twitter.com/NxPLNtkaTE
— Casey (@BleedBlueCasey) November 28, 2024
The Future of Clara Strack
With her combination of size, skill, and unflappable demeanor, Clara Strack is poised for greatness both at Kentucky and beyond. Her ability to lead by example, foster camaraderie, and rise to the occasion makes her a standout player and teammate. Whether it’s delivering in clutch moments or inspiring those around her, Strack lets her game do all the talking—and her game speaks volumes.
For the Wildcats, Clara’s presence is transformative. She’s not just a player; she’s a cornerstone of their success and a beacon of what the future holds for women’s basketball. As her career continues to ascend, one thing is certain: Clara Strack is just getting started.
