Umatilla High School announces that Head Baseball Coach Tanner Clark will be stepping down after five highly successful seasons leading the Bulldogs baseball program.

A proud Umatilla native and former Bulldog player, Coach Clark returned home to lead the program in 2021 and quickly transformed the culture and expectations of Umatilla Baseball. During his tenure, the Bulldogs achieved five consecutive winning seasons, something the program had not accomplished in decades. Under his leadership, the team became one of the most respected and competitive programs in Lake County and Central Florida.

One of the defining moments of Coach Clark’s career came during the 2024 season when the Bulldogs captured the program’s first district championship in 22 years with a memorable victory over nationally recognized powerhouse Montverde Academy. The Bulldogs also earned a berth in the FHSAA State Playoffs and finished the season with a 19-9 record. Coach Clark was subsequently named the 2024 Lake & Sumter Style Magazine Baseball Coach of the Year.

In addition to the district championship, Coach Clark guided Umatilla to several historic accomplishments, including back-to-back victories over rival Eustis High School and multiple wins over larger Central Florida programs. His teams consistently competed with toughness, discipline, and pride while helping restore excitement and community support around Bulldog Baseball.

Coach Clark also played a major role in upgrading the overall baseball facilities during his time at Umatilla. Through fundraising, community support, and countless hours of work, the program transformed from a below-average high school facility into one that is now viewed as one of the top baseball environments in the area and comparable to many college-level programs.

Coach Clark’s impact extended well beyond the baseball field. Known for emphasizing character, accountability, and academics, he built meaningful relationships with student-athletes and worked to prepare them for success in life after high school. In addition to coaching baseball, Clark also served students in the classroom through the AVID college readiness program.

“Tanner has done an incredible job leading our baseball program and building a culture our school and community can be proud of,” says Brent Frazier. “He poured his heart into this program, mentored countless young men, and helped return Bulldog Baseball to prominence. What he helped build both on and off the field will impact Umatilla Baseball for years to come.”

Before entering coaching, Coach Clark enjoyed a successful playing career at Lake-Sumter State College and the University of North Florida after graduating from high school in 2016. He also remained active in player development and summer collegiate baseball, recently joining the coaching staff of the Leesburg Lightning.

Coach Clark will continue his coaching career at Flagler College, where he will join the baseball program for the upcoming season. While Bulldog Nation will certainly miss his leadership and passion, Umatilla High School is proud to see one of its own continue to grow and make an impact at the collegiate level.

Umatilla High School thanks Coach Tanner Clark for his dedication, leadership, and commitment to Bulldog Baseball and wishes him continued success in the next chapter of his career.