Nov. 21, 2008

Michelle Clark will have the perfect combination of family and the warm weather she is used to for Thanksgiving this year. As the women's basketball team heads to Hawaii for the Waikiki Beach Marriott Classic, the Clark family will follow to celebrate the holiday with their daughter. The usual Clark tradition for Thanksgiving consists of tons of delicious food, separate adult and kids tables and playing "Scene It" together.

Thanksgiving 2009, will be a little bit different for the family, but they are excited to be headed to the Aloha State. In fact, the Clarks have always had a knack for warm weather. Michelle grew up on the west coast in the Los Angeles area and took regular family vacations to the Virgin Islands.

"When I was young, before basketball took over, we would go to the islands every summer for the Fourth of July," remembers Michelle. "I love the beaches and the water and the lifestyle there. I always looked forward to those vacations."

The women's team has become her Indiana family and acts as a foolproof support system. The players, the coaches and the fans all have a way of making Boilermaker country feel like home for Michelle.

This year, Michelle has seen many changes on the court. Namely, her confidence is boosted from having a year of experience under her belt. Also, she feels considerably quicker and stronger, and has been working much harder. The team focuses each practice on improving from the day before. Michelle has taken this strategy and applied it to her individual play as well.

Although she does not come from a basketball family, both of her parents are quite athletic. Her brother used to play basketball; they often played against each other for some friendly, family competition.

"I think those pickup games against my brother made me the player that I am," said Michelle. "He definitely gave me my drive. He would make me so mad!"

In addition to basketball and warm weather, Michelle loves movies, especially The Notebook. Naturally, her favorite actress and actor are Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gossling. Michelle was devastated to see that they had broken up in real life; however, after being informed that they were seen together recently, she was elated.

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