Fourth-year Umatilla High School head baseball coach Tanner Clark has quickly established himself as a transformative figure in the world of high school athletics. 

Clark, at just 27 years old, has already made history by achieving three straight winning seasons — something the school hadn’t accomplished in decades — and guiding the Bulldogs to their first district championship in 22 years. 

A lifelong player and student of the game, Clark grew up in Tampa, where baseball was a family tradition. His father, Tracy Clark, was a high school baseball coach at Springstead High School. 

“I’ve been around baseball since I was 5,” Clark said. “Watching my dad coach and being part of that environment inspired me to pursue it as a career.”

After playing two years at Umatilla High School and then transferring to Eustis High School, where he played under Coach David Lee, Clark graduated and continued his baseball career at Lake-Sumter State College and then the University of North Florida. It was there, during his senior year in 2021, that the seeds of his coaching career were planted. 

“Coach Billings at Lake-Sumter State College approached me about coaching and it got me thinking about the next step,” Clark says. “When the Umatilla position became available, Pat Todd, the athletic director at Umatilla High at the time, reached out and sure enough I became one of the youngest head baseball coaches in Lake County.”

Clark took over a program that had potential but needed direction. His first year was one of laying foundations, working with a young core of players. Now, those players — who were eighth graders when Clark arrived — are juniors and seniors, and the results of their growth and dedication are evident.

“We’ve built something special here,” Clark says. “Umatilla is a small town, and the players take pride in representing their community. Instead of looking for opportunities elsewhere, they’ve embraced the chance to develop together and buy into our program.”

This small-town pride was on full display the past two seasons when Umatilla defeated local rival Eustis two years in a row, a feat that hadn’t been achieved in well over 20 years.

Clark’s impact extends far beyond wins and losses.

“You’re a person before you’re a baseball player, and a student before you’re an athlete,” he says.

Clark’s coaching philosophy emphasizes personal development and character over athletic achievements.

“What I care about most is how my players handle adversity,” he says. “I look at how they respond to failure more than they achieve success. I look at how a player can remain composed after a strikeout and go back out and have a flawless inning in the field.”

Clark believes his youth is an asset when it comes to connecting with his players. He knows what it’s like to play the game at their age and can relate to the challenges they face.

“I think they appreciate that I’ve been in their shoes not long ago,” he says.

At the same time, Clark makes it clear there’s a line between player and coach. Discipline is important and they know he expects them to work hard.

For Clark, the most rewarding aspect of coaching is the relationships he builds with his players.

“The best part is when former players come back to games or just to talk,” he says. “Hearing how their time in the program impacted their lives is what really matters. Winning is fun, but helping these young men win in life is the real goal.”

In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Clark teaches AVID, a college readiness program for juniors and seniors. He guides students through the process of preparing for higher education, helping them set goals and plan for their futures.

“I love working with these students,” Clark says. “Umatilla has a strong culture of support, and programs like AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) and AICE (Advanced International Certificate of Education) give our students incredible opportunities to further their education.”

Clark credits Principal Brent Frazier with fostering this environment.

“We’ve gone from a D school to a B school, and that’s because of the culture Principal Frazier has created,” he says. “Every student on campus knows that academics come first, and we all work together to help them succeed.”

Winning the district championship this past season was a high point for Clark and his team.

“It was a surreal moment,” he said. “That’s been my goal since day one, knowing how long it had been since Umatilla last won. Seeing the joy on the faces of our players, coaches, and families was unforgettable. It meant so much to the program and the community and to do it against Montverde Academy of all team’s was such a beautiful moment for this small town.”

Clark’s ultimate goal goes beyond trophies and accolades.

“Wins are great, and I want to continue building on our success. But my priority is developing these players into good men,” he says. “I want them to leave this program with the skills and character they need to succeed in life.”

Clark credits his parents, Wendy and Tracy Clark, as well as Lake-Sumter State College head coach Rich Billings, with shaping his path.

“My parents have been there every step of the way,” the coach says. “They never missed a game, and their support means everything to me. My dad’s coaching experience and Coach Billings’ guidance at Lake-Sumter State taught me so much about the game and how to lead a team.”

For Clark, the lessons he learned from his mentors are ones he now strives to pass on to his players.

“This is such an important time in their lives,” he says. “They’re not just learning how to play baseball—they’re learning how to handle challenges, work as a team and carry themselves with integrity.”

As he prepares for another season, Clark remains focused on the future.

“Our goal is to keep improving, keep developing and keep building this program,” he says. “But most importantly, I want these players to leave here as better people. Winning games is great, but winning in life is what truly matters.”

Photos: Nicole Hamel