The first All-American for the Bates volleyball program (second team 1989) was awarded to perhaps the most athletic player to ever grace the courts at Bates College. Although unable to play her first year due to an injury, Rachel Clayton ’90 quickly rose to national prominence in just three seasons. Rachel led the team in all hitting categories, and was ranked nationally in kills and hitting percentage. During her career as an outside hitter on the team, the Bates volleyball team had a record of 111-8, capturing the Northeast Championship in 1987 and the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Championship title in 1989 to cap off an undefeated season of 36-0. Rachel was also selected to the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-Region team in 1988 and 1989, and voted Most Valuable Player in New England in 1989. "Rachel is a natural athlete," said her volleyball and basketball coach Marsha Graef. "Her quick development as a volleyball player became the foundation of the team's successes."

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On the softball diamond, Clayton demonstrated her talent and tenacity in every game she played. She set twenty-two school records, five of which still stand today, and the strength of her bat and the stability of her defense put Bates College in the official NCAA Division III record book. Rachel was a four year letter winner, a team captain and a member of the Maine Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (MAIAW) and the New England Intercollegiate Softball Association (NEISA) All-Star teams. Her career stats include a .454 batting average and a .919 fielding average. In 1988, Rachel was the national Division III leader in RBIs per game and in home runs. The MAIAW honored her as its Most Valuable Player and the United States handball team chose her for its travel squad after graduation.