Experienced Greg Clarke Looks to Rebuild Muhlenberg Girls Basketball

One year after hiring a new coach, Muhlenberg has hired a new one following a winless season.

Greg Clarke takes over the Muhls program following a 0-21 season.

New Muhlenberg head coach Greg Clarke with his team this summer. (Photo courtesy of Greg Clarke)

Clarke, who has vast experience over the past 20-plus years as a basketball coach, will aim to turn the tide and get Muhlenberg back to playoff contention.

Clarke, who has worked for the United States Postal Service for over 25 years, was officially named head coach after an April school board meeting and takes over for Xiomara Toledo, who was not retained after one full season and a brief stint as interim head coach.

For Clarke, the opportunity was about more than becoming a head coach again. He saw a chance to establish a program built on strong standards and long-term success.

"I saw a unique opportunity to build a culture defined by high standards and consistent execution," Clarke recently said to BGB. "My approach to coaching prioritizes proactive communication and structured player development, which aligns perfectly with the needs of this basketball program. Being on the ground this summer with the players has confirmed that this is the right place for me to create a lasting, positive impact and build on a strong coaching legacy."

Clarke spent many season coaching Reading girls freshmen, JV, and assistant varsity. (Photo courtesy of Greg Clarke)

Clarke brings a wealth of coaching experience to Muhlenberg. He previously spent seven seasons as the head men's basketball coach at Reading Area Community College, where he guided the program to more than 100 victories and multiple championships.

He later served as an assistant coach at Alvernia University and has remained involved in Berks County basketball through Reading's girls program and as director of the Berks Red Storm girls AAU organization. Earlier in his coaching career, he served as an assistant coach at three high schools in the DMV area.

Clarke as head coach with a few Berks legends including Dejah Terrell, Zakiyah Winfield, and TaCari Talford. (Photo courtesy of Greg Clarke)

Muhlenberg has not made the county playoffs since the 2016-17 season. The Muhls have won 22 games over the past four seasons and are looking to return to the level of success the program enjoyed in previous decades.

Clarke believes that turnaround begins with creating a consistent identity every day in practice.

"My philosophy is built on accountability, consistency, and purposeful preparation," he said. "I believe that talent is only as good as the structure supporting it. I want our identity to be defined by discipline, unity, and resilience. Our goal is to be the most prepared team on the court and ensure that every player understands their role and takes ownership of our program's standards."

Greg Clarke during his RACC days. (Photo courtesy of Greg Clarke)

The veteran coach said his first priority is laying the foundation for sustained success by emphasizing communication, player development, and teamwork.

"My priority is to establish a culture of excellence built on four pillars: communication, consistent habits in the gym, strong foundational skills, and absolute teamwork. This approach ensures that every player is aligned and empowered to contribute to a unified, high-achieving team.

"Ultimately, I want us to play selflessly for one another because I know that if we stay together, we can tackle anything."

Rather than focusing solely on wins and losses, Clarke has developed a long-term vision for rebuilding the Muhls into a competitive program.

"My three-year plan is to build a winning program that brings everyone together," he said. "In year one, we will focus on the basics like hard work and communication to build trust with players and families. In year two, we expand by connecting with the local community to create a great home-court atmosphere. By year three, we will have a steady flow of talent from our youth levels to varsity, making sure our culture of excellence lasts for years to come."

Clarke hopes those foundational steps will create a program capable of competing consistently while strengthening connections with players, families, and the Muhlenberg community.

Although the Muhls are coming off a difficult season, Clarke said he has been encouraged by the potential he has seen from the returning players throughout the summer.

Muhlenberg is expected to return several players with varsity experience, including all-division rising junior Kenleigh Brill, who averaged a team-high 12.6 points per game last season.

Also returning to the program is Jaylianni Ortiz, who averaged 4.5 ppg as a freshman at Berks Catholic, and Blanca Ramos, who averaged 7.8 ppg with the Muhls as a freshman.

Clarke believes the combination of returning experience and a renewed emphasis on fundamentals can help the program begin moving in the right direction.

"What excites me most is the immense potential these athletes have to improve their skills both on and off the court," he said. "Whether it is their basketball IQ or their ability to work as a cohesive unit, this group possesses raw talent that can be fully harnessed with the right direction. I am eager to provide that structure and watch them reach their ceiling as student-athletes and teammates."

Clarke also credited Reading girls basketball coach Rashida Suber for helping prepare him for his first varsity head coaching opportunity.

"I would also like to thank coach Rashida Suber for the opportunity to be on her coaching staff and a part of her program," Clarke said. "I learned a lot from the experience that will help me on this journey."

There were five girls basketball head coaching positions open this offseason. Antietam, Muhlenberg, Tulpehocken, and Twin Valley have been filled. Tulpehocken approved Skylar Sheriff as its new head coach this week. Stay tuned for the story on his hiring. Daniel Boone remains the lone team needing to find a new head coach.