Hat Tricks, Highlights and Hamilton: Florida Lacrosse’s Offensive Force
Clark Hamilton has been unstoppable this lacrosse season. From the first game, she’s shown speed, skill and consistency, scoring three or more goals in every game except Navy (0) and Dartmouth (2) and already racking up 40 points.
Her play has earned her multiple Big 12 Attacker of the Week honors, a national offensive player of the week recognition and a spot on the 2026 Tewaaraton Award watch list.
“I think the main thing for me is kind of just trying to play fluid,” Hamilton said. “I think I was just trying to play not only fast, but mostly intentional with kind of how I can set myself for the best looks, but also my teammates.”
The Loyola game was a standout moment, where Hamilton scored seven goals and added four assists for 11 points, the most by a sophomore in program history and only the third time a Florida player has reached that mark. Her ability to put up big numbers consistently, while staying grounded, defines her approach to the season.
Hamilton has treated every game with the same focus and intensity. She tries to stay present and not get caught up in what’s coming later in the week.
“I’m really just trying to pull myself out from every little detail that I could fixate on, and really just try to be in the moment, be where my feet are,” Hamilton said. “You know, have fun when we’re on planes, but also have that intensity and speed, and being aggressive throughout the whole game.”
Her growth this season builds on an impressive freshman year. She appeared in all 23 games, scored 55 goals, had 15 assists and set a freshmen record with five consecutive hat-tricks, while totaling 11 hat-tricks for the season. Hamilton also became the first African American player to score for Florida, marking a historic milestone.
After Florida’s game against Penn on March 11, where Hamilton became the 27th Gator to reach 100 career points, coach Amanda O’Leary praised her humility and impact.
“She is the most humble … she would never want a big deal made about it,” O’Leary said. “Clark is Clark. Super humble. She would credit her teammates with doing all the dirty work so she could do the finishing, and just an incredible kind on and off the field.”
“She’s the all-around student-athlete. She’s the epitome of that. I’m just glad we have her on our team, and I don’t have to play against her.”
Hamilton’s impact extends beyond the stat sheet. She drives the pace of Florida’s offense, lifts her teammates and keeps the attack balanced. Her ability to stay focused and present allows her to make the most of every opportunity while opening space for others.
Her journey to Gainesville included standout high school and club performances, multiple All-American honors, state championships and national-level club play. These early experiences laid a foundation, but it’s her work ethic, consistency and team-first mindset that have made her a standout at the collegiate level.
Hamilton isn’t just scoring. She’s setting the pace, creating space and keeping Florida’s offense moving. Her combination of talent and intensity makes her a standout attacker, and she’s shaping the season for Florida.
“I think for her, she just never settles. She wants to get better each and every day,” O’Leary said.
Up Next
The No. 7 Gators (8-2, 1-0 Big 12) are back in action at noon Saturday (ESPN+) against No. 16 Colorado (7-2, 1-0) at Donald R. Dizney Stadium.
Category: Gator Sports, Gators Lacrosse
