CASA: The Voice of Clarke’s Student Athletes

Clarkes Student Association of Student Athletes, known as “CASA,” is a group built upon two athletes of each sports team here at Clarke. This group meets bi-weekly and works to bring athletes together. This semester, their impact is already showing on the fields and courts of Clarke University and they have more planned.

Fans enjoying the Basketball Game // Image courtesy of Clarke Athletics

The Clarke Association of Student Athletes is supervised by Anthony King, Matt Gagner, and Brett Tudela. CASA’s main student leader is their president Kaelyn Minich. As the world has changed since COVID-19, so has Clarke’s student school spirit. Clarke’s student attendance at athletic competitions has gone down tremendously, which has influenced CASA's primary goal of improving the atmosphere at games and getting students to attend the games. They are doing so by actively promoting all athletic events. But most importantly, CASA is aiming to actively engage students in supporting their peers at their athletic events! CASA plans themes for games as well as half-time eventsand is also promoting a “brother and sister” alliance between sports teams to support one another. The club recognizes the importance of attendance through all athletic programs and is working to shed light on the teams that don’t receive as much support as others. 

CASA is currently working towards rebuilding the Benchwarmers, which is a group of students that attend all of Clarke’s home games. The Benchwarmers work to encourage Clarke’s teams at their games and bring a great amount of energy! One of CASA’s supervisors, Matt Gagner (Head Coach of Women’s Volleyball), was once a part of the Benchwarmers and knows the ins and outs which will be very beneficial as the Benchwarmers are in the rebuilding process. Kaelyn shared that she’s been in contact with a football player here at Clarke by the name of Caleb Perry. He is interested in potentially leading the Benchwarmers next semester. The record-breaking running back for Clarke Football has led student sections in the past and has some great leadership skills. 

CASA kicked off the 2025-26 basketball season with Clarke Chaos. The event was a major success during the homecoming week and a perfect opportunity for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams to showcase their skills. Clarke Chaos was just a preview for what this basketball season has in store. The evening was organized by Jonovan Howard, Zoe Kennedy, and Josie Potts who are basketball players here at Clarke as well as members of CASA and have shown significant leadership. 

Next semester, CASA is expanding and building up a larger board of student athletes. This will only work to improve all the work CASA is already doing. Kaelyn shared that both Zoe and Josie have shown interest in being potential candidates to serve a higher role for CASA. Stay tuned for next semester; you may just want to join CASA yourself!