Alumni Achiever – Emily Clevenger, Centennial High Class of 2008

Published May 8, 2015

Emily Clevenger is the head women’s lacrosse coach at Tennessee Wesleyan College in Athens.

In her second season at the helm, Clevenger led her team to the Appalachian Athletic Conference regular season and conference championship. The Lady Bulldogs also advanced to the NWLL National Championship tournament where they finished seventh in the nation, and Clevenger was named the NWLL Coach of the Year.

Clevenger attended Centennial High before graduating from Tennessee Wesleyan College with a degree in Exercise Science.

What led you to want to pursue a career in coaching?

I was a college athlete and played lacrosse here at Tennessee Wesleyan and knew as a four year starting captain for the team, my leadership skills and knowledge for the game could take me to be a college coach. I just didn’t know I would have the awesome opportunity to coach at my Alma mater.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

What I enjoy most about my job is the relationships I have made with my team. Not only are we learning and practicing to be the best at lacrosse, I am teaching them life skills; we have team bonding activities; and we get to really know each other’s life family.

What did you enjoy most about your high school experience?

My high school experience was filled with fun times on the soccer field, in the bowling alley and on the lacrosse field. I enjoyed Friday night football games in the fall, playing my lacrosse games in the spring, and watching the men’s lacrosse and soccer games in the spring as well. Sitting in the stands with friends and cheering our team on was the best.

What WCS teacher made a difference in your life and how?

Many different teachers made an impact in my life. One is my mom. She is the health science/nursing teacher at Centennial, and yes, I did take her class. She did not treat me any different than her other students, but she supported me and helped me with all of my after school activities and helped prepare me for my college career.

Do you have any advice for current WCS students?

My advice for WCS students would be to continue to stay in school. No matter what you are doing, strive to do your best and strive to achieve your goals. Doubters are your biggest motivators. Make connections within your community; and be kind to one another.