Women's Basketball

Audra Clark named St. Catherine head women's basketball coach

ST. PAUL, Minn. – St. Catherine University has announced the hiring of a familiar face to lead its women's basketball program, naming former standout student-athlete Audra Clark '19 as the program's new head coach. Clark returns to St. Kate's after seven seasons of coaching experience, with stops at both the Division III and Division I level.

A proud alumna, Clark comes back to her alma mater following an accomplished playing career that left a lasting mark on the program's record books. One of the most decorated players in program history, she remains among the leaders in field goal percentage, single-season scoring, and single-season assists. She finished her career as the program's all-time leading scorer with 1,483 points and ranks first all-time with 379 assists.

"Having the honor to come back to St. Catherine University as the Head Women's Basketball Coach is something I could have only imagined while playing here," said Clark. "This university shaped me as a basketball player, person, and leader. I know firsthand what this program and university are capable of. St. Kate's has always stood for something bigger than the game, and that mission will be the foundation we build on. I am driven to develop competitors — young women who are tough, disciplined, and hungry to win — while helping them feel the same sense of belonging and purpose I felt as a student-athlete here. The culture we create together, on and off the court, will drive this program forward. I want to thank Eric Stacey, Madge Makowske, and the search committee for this incredible opportunity. I truly believe the best days of St. Catherine women's basketball are ahead of us."

During her playing career, Clark — alongside her twin sister Meg — helped lead the Wildcats to back-to-back MIAC Playoff appearances while leading the MIAC in assists averaged per games in her final season. She earned MIAC All-Conference honors twice, was named All-Conference Honorable Mention twice, and earned a spot on the All-First-Year Team. Known for her leadership, competitive drive, and work ethic, Clark established a legacy that continues to shape the program.

Following her playing career, Clark began her coaching journey at SUNY Oswego, where she assisted former Wildcats head coach Sean Pinkerton for two seasons. She then spent two seasons at SUNY Cortland before moving to Bowling Green State University, where she worked under Fred Chmiel and reunited with former St. Kate's head coach Tim Kjar. At Bowling Green, Clark served as Director of Player Personnel, gaining valuable experience managing program operations beyond the court.
Clark later reunited with mentor Jacey Brooks, whom she previously coached alongside at Cortland, serving as an assistant coach at Northern Illinois University this past season.

As head coach, Clark will focus on continuing the program's tradition of excellence while building a culture rooted in history, energy, and pride. She becomes the program's eighth head coach since St. Catherine joined the NCAA in 1983 and the first female head coach of the program in the 2000s. She joins a distinguished group of former head coaches that includes Ann Garvey (1983–85), Amy Ferstenau (1997–98), and Lori Finanger (1995–97, 1998–99).

"We are thrilled to welcome Audra Clark as our new head women's basketball coach," said Madge Makowske, Deputy Director of Athletics. "As a former student-athlete and proud alumna, combined with her clear vision for the program, Audra stood out throughout the search process. She understands the competitive expectations and values that define St. Kate's and brings the energy and leadership needed to build on our strong foundation."

"Audra's journey from student-athlete to head coach is a powerful reflection of her dedication, leadership, and passion for the Wildcat community," Makowske added. "We're excited for the future of our program under her leadership."

The Kenyon, Minnesota native earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in 2019 from St. Catherine and was on the Dean's List.