Volleyball Announced the Signing of Austin Clark in Partnership with Team Impact

ORLANDO - As the Knights gear up for their 2026 season, head coach Matt Botsford and his staff have announced the addition of a promising athlete to their squad.

After a lengthy recruiting process, this afternoon, Austin Clark officially signed as the newest member of the UCF volleyball team.

Austin will serve as a key member for the Black and Gold for seasons to come, as her story and perseverance have already made an impact on the entire program.

Nearly a year ago, Austin, aged six at the time, was diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia, a serious bone marrow disorder that prevents the production of enough red and white blood cells, along with platelets.

After multiple tests, experts at the Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children decided she would need a transplant. After finding a donor, she underwent the operation before having to go through radiation and chemotherapy. 

Due to a more exposed immune system, Austin has been recovering at the Arnold Palmer Hospital and recently surpassed the 100-day mark, which means the Knight has reached the first checkpoint of her recovery and can continue her journey to stardom.

Surrounded by her family and loved ones, Austin made her commitment to the program official Thursday morning at The Venue. Sitting between her mom, Crystal, dad, Jeffrey, and sister, Peyton, a new chapter began.

Throughout the season, Austin will be alongside the Knights as they embark on their fourth season in the Big 12 and second under Botsford. The efforts and support of so many made this moment possible, and the partnership with Team Impact, which provides a multiyear program for children to build friendships and everlasting connections, linked the Clark family with the UCF volleyball program for years to come.

Below are highlights from a special day at UCF: