Through unimaginable, immeasurable pain, Jonelle Clark discovered a new purpose.
As her husband, the late UCF Knights offensive line coach Shawn Clark, fought for his life in the wake of a sudden medical emergency, Jonelle thought the time had come for the couple to use their platform and prioritize the physical and mental health of college coaches. Unfortunately, Shawn never recovered, dying from complications on Sept. 21, 2025 — 12 days after being admitted into the hospital.
"I thought it would get better. The doctors had said when he recovers. It struck me that they said when and not if," Clark told The News-Journal in a phone interview. "I noticed the last few days that his eyes were open less. He was doing a lot less responding than he had done prior. I had people tell me the strides he was making were exhausting. He needs rest. There were going to be plateaus and big wins. I was just ready for more of those responsive pieces.
"It was so hazy. I just remember thinking that was an option, and then he was gone. I remember thinking I can’t do this by myself. But I have to. There's this message, this voice, this drive, this feeling that I had to do this. This is my purpose. I don’t know how to explain that, but I am being gifted with a purpose."
Jonelle launched the Shawn Clark Legacy Foundation, a nonprofit organization in honor of the 50-year-old former Appalachian State head coach. Its flagship mission is the 61 Initiative, a prevention program encouraging coaches to commit to annual physical and mental health screenings prior to each season. It also emphasizes education, open dialogue and access to support systems for coaches, staff and their families.
As her husband, the late UCF Knights offensive line coach Shawn Clark, fought for his life in the wake of a sudden medical emergency, Jonelle thought the time had come for the couple to use their platform and prioritize the physical and mental health of college coaches. Unfortunately, Shawn never recovered, dying from complications on Sept. 21, 2025 — 12 days after being admitted into the hospital.
"I thought it would get better. The doctors had said when he recovers. It struck me that they said when and not if," Clark told The News-Journal in a phone interview. "I noticed the last few days that his eyes were open less. He was doing a lot less responding than he had done prior. I had people tell me the strides he was making were exhausting. He needs rest. There were going to be plateaus and big wins. I was just ready for more of those responsive pieces.
"It was so hazy. I just remember thinking that was an option, and then he was gone. I remember thinking I can’t do this by myself. But I have to. There's this message, this voice, this drive, this feeling that I had to do this. This is my purpose. I don’t know how to explain that, but I am being gifted with a purpose."
Jonelle launched the Shawn Clark Legacy Foundation, a nonprofit organization in honor of the 50-year-old former Appalachian State head coach. Its flagship mission is the 61 Initiative, a prevention program encouraging coaches to commit to annual physical and mental health screenings prior to each season. It also emphasizes education, open dialogue and access to support systems for coaches, staff and their families.
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