Hempstead, NY -- Former Hofstra Women's Lacrosse player Stephanie Clarke (1994-97) will have her jersey number 30 retired in a halftime ceremony during the Pride's Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) opener on Friday against James Madison at 7 p.m.

In an effort to acknowledge the outstanding accomplishments of numerous former student-athletes during the University's nearly 75 years of existence, Hofstra University has announced that a group of 20 past Pride athletes will have their jersey numbers retired this academic year.

"The honoring of these 20 former student-athletes is a celebration of the outstanding history of Hofstra Athletics," commented Hofstra University Director of Athletics Jack Hayes.

The 1996 North Atlantic Conference (NAC) Player of the Year, Clarke accumulated 909 saves during her stellar four-year career, which ranks second all-time in program history.  One of only two United States National Team members in program history, Clarke was the first-ever player from the Hofstra Women's Lacrosse team to earn All-American honors as she was a third team selection in 1996 and twice an All-American honoree in 1997.  Also an All-NAC pick in 1996, Clarke's single-season saves marks currently rank second, fourth, fifth and ninth in the Hofstra record book and she led her squad for four straight winning seasons from 1994-97.  Included in that stretch was a 13-3 overall record with a perfect 6-0 mark in NAC play during the Pride's run to the conference title in 1996.  Clarke was inducted into the Hofstra Athletics Hall of Fame this year.

Clarke is the first player in program history to have her jersey number retired.