Joetta Clark, Tennessee: Collegiate Athlete Hall of Fame, Class of 2023

Joetta Clark emerged as a track & field phenom during her collegiate years at the University of Tennessee in the early 1980s. Over the course of her collegiate career, she claimed an impressive nine national collegiate titles, which included five individual wins and four as part of championship-winning relay teams.

Joetta’s primary event was the 800 meters/880 yards, where she secured three of her five individual national titles. She also excelled in the now-discontinued 1000 yards/meters event, winning two additional titles. Clark’s versatility made her an invaluable asset to the Lady Vol relay teams, as she could give them quick marks on relay legs ranging from 400 to 1200 meters.

During her time at Tennessee, Joetta amassed a staggering 87.5 points in the AIAW and NCAA Championships, combining indoor and outdoor national championships. She also set a total of 10 collegiate records, combining individual and relay events, with four of those coming in national championship finals.

As the first track star in her family, Joetta paved the way for her siblings J.J. (Villanova) and Hazel (Florida) to also excel in the sport. Joetta’s legacy continues through her daughter, Talitha Diggs, who won the 400-meter crown at the 2022 NCAA DI Outdoor Championships and once held the collegiate record in that event.