MBA Student-Athlete Shoots for the Stars
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With the SDSU Aztecs women’s basketball team near the top of the Mountain West Conference in overall wins, senior forward, Cali Clark deserves a portion of the credit for the team’s success. Clark, who leads the team in rebounds, steals and blocked shots, also earned an outstanding record as a student: Before transferring to SDSU for the fall semester, she was named to the Mountain West Conference Academic All-Conference as an undergraduate mechanical engineering major at Colorado State University for four years in a row.
After earning her degree at CSU last spring, Clark chose SDSU’s Fowler College of Business to pursue her MBA, drawn by the university’s reputation for academic excellence and support for student-athletes.
Clark recently shared her thoughts on her passion for sports and academics, and dreams of working in the aerospace industry after earning her MBA.
Q: What prompted you to earn a degree in mechanical engineering?
From a young age, I was fascinated by how things worked, often spending hours tinkering, inventing, and imagining ways to create something new. I also have a passion for astronomy and the mysteries of space fueled my dream of becoming an astronaut and working for NASA — a dream that still drives me today. Earning a degree in mechanical engineering at Colorado State was a natural step toward turning that dream into reality.
Q: Why did you make the move to SDSU?
SDSU offered the perfect combination of athletic and personal growth opportunities. The basketball program stood out to me not only for its reputation but also for the strong sense of community within the team.
Beyond basketball, I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and experience life in a new city. San Diego, with its vibrant atmosphere, diverse opportunities, and incredible lifestyle, felt like the ideal place to do that.
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Q: What influenced your decision to earn your MBA?
During my undergraduate studies, I naturally gravitated toward the project management role in our design projects. I enjoyed overseeing the process, coordinating efforts, and finding strategic solutions to challenges, which made me realize I have a strong interest in leadership and management. I wanted my master’s degree to complement my engineering background and equip me with a broader perspective, to make me a versatile and valuable asset in the corporate world. An MBA felt like the perfect next step to bridge the gap between technical expertise and business acumen.
Q: What are your post-graduation plans?
My immediate goal is to play professional basketball overseas, continuing to compete at a high level while embracing the opportunity to travel, experience new cultures, and grow both personally and athletically. Simultaneously, I intend to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, which is the first step toward becoming a licensed professional engineer. In the long term, I aim to transition into an engineering role, ideally with an aerospace company and potentially with organizations like NASA.
Q: What advice would you share with your freshman teammates?
Embrace the journey and focus on growth both on and off the court. College athletics can be demanding, but it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have. I’d also encourage you to lean into the team culture. Your teammates will become your family, so invest in those relationships, support each other, and make the most of the camaraderie you share.
