Dave Clarke

Biography

Continuity is an essential part of a successful athletic program, and in 26 seasons at the helm of Quinnipiac soccer, Head Coach Dave Clarke has delivered just that. Clarke and the Bobcats currently have several alumni who are playing in the professional ranks. Among the most recent Bobcats who have continued their playing careers are Olivia Scott (Ottawa Rapid FC), Kayla Mingachos (Gil Vicente FC), Emely van der Vliet (NAC Vrouwen), Selena Salas (Elche CFF), Rebecca Cooke (Brooklyn FC), Jess Gargan (Shelbourne FC and 2019 Republic of Ireland National Team), and Aisling Spillane (Peamount FC). Now entering his 27th season in 2025, Clarke has firmly cemented himself as one of the premier college coaches in the NCAA’s highest division. He effectively etched his signature on Quinnipiac soccer by becoming not only the winningest coach in its history but also leading his team to an NCAA Tournament berth in 2000 and a regular-season championship in 2001. In 21 seasons as a head coach, Clarke has a 245-203-47 overall record, which features a 227-169-44 mark while at Quinnipiac. In the 2023 season, the Bobcats earned the #1 seed in the MAAC Tournament, finishing the regular season with a 13-4-1 overall record and a 9-0-1 conference mark. Two one-goal games powered the Bobcats to their second straight MAAC title. The Bobcats went back to the NCAA Tournament, where they faced Ivy League powerhouse Brown. Clarke was awarded the conference’s Coach of the Year Award after leading the Bobc