Details
Harbor Island
Education
- Xavier University of Louisiana, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Minor in Political Science, Honors in Theology
Career Highlights
- Trimmed; Ranked in the top-10 in New York and top-25 in each USTA Eastern age division
- First person from Mount Vernon to be a finalist in High School Sectionals and qualify for the NYSPHSAA State Tournament
- First person from Mount Vernon to receive a full ride tennis scholarship for college
- #7 ITA doubles ranking in the Southern Region and #11 ITA National doubles ranking at Xavier University of Louisiana
- Two-time conference champion, National finalist and two-time National semifinalist in college
- Juniors:
- -Started at the age of 5 at Memorial Field in Mount Vernon and then continued with NYJTL in the Bronx (Co-Op city) until I was discovered by Kela Simunyola
- -Coached by Kela Simunyola at Kela Tennis Academy in Mount Vernon (currently pro staff at Harbor Island) from the age of 8 on scholarship
- -Played at Harlem Junior Tennis & Education Program (scholarship) & Harbor Island from age 15-18
- -Competed in several USTA tournaments including nationals
- -Competed in ITF Junior tournaments in the Caribbean from the age of 13 (represented Jamaica in ITFs)
- -ITF Juniors Finalist
- -Top 10 in NY
- -Top 25 in each USTA Eastern age division
- -First person from Mount Vernon to be a finalist in High School Sectionals and qualify for the NYSPHSAA State Tournament (
- -First person from Mount Vernon to receive a full ride tennis scholarship for college
- -Graduated from Mount Vernon STEAM Academy
- College:
- -Mainly played #3 singles and #1 doubles
- -#7 ITA doubles ranking in the southern region
- -#11 ITA national doubles ranking
- -2x conference champion
- -Regionals doubles champion
- -national finalist
- -2x national semifinalist
- -champion of character award
- -2x 2nd team all Red River Athletic Conference team
- -Graduated in 3 years at Xavier University of Louisiana (#3 HBCU in nation)
- -ITA Academic Honors
- -Pursuing law school degree
- First person from Mount Vernon to receive a full ride tennis scholarship for college
- #7 ITA doubles ranking in the Southern Region and #11 ITA National doubles ranking at Xavier University of Louisiana
- Two-time conference champion, National finalist and two-time National semifinalist in college
Valaine Clarke
Valaine, born and raised in Mount Vernon, NY, began playing tennis at the age of five. She competed in USTA and ITF tournaments as a junior, achieving rankings in the top-10 in NY and top-25 in the Eastern Section. Beginning in 2021, she attended Xavier University of Louisiana and played #3 singles and #1 doubles, achieving a #7 ITA doubles ranking as a two-time conference champion and national finalist. She graduated in three years with a bachelor’s degree in sociology from XULA, and is currently pursuing a law degree. Valaine joined the SPORTIME team in 2024.