Cavalier Corner is the publication just for UVa sports fans!
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1494955
cavalier sports getting to know Third-Year Golfer Jennifer Cleary G rowing up in Wilmington, Del., Jennifer Cleary excelled at several sports. At the Tower Hill School, she was a standout field hockey player, was the only female competitor on the school's 2018 national championship squash team and played for the co-ed golf squad. While many other top junior girls competi- tors focused just on golf, Cleary did not turn her focus to the sport each year until the spring. That did not stop her from becoming one of the nation's top junior competitors. She was named a 2019 Rolex All-American and an honorable mention All-American by the American Junior Golf Association. There was little doubt she would be headed to Virginia to compete as a collegian. Her father, Blake, was a Virginia graduate and exposed her to UVA athletics at an early age. "I grew up coming to football games and going on visits all the time. I wanted to come here from a young age," Cleary said. "I always had Virginia sweatshirts growing up, dating back to when I was probably 4 years old. So, it's funny to look back on." While Cleary's father did not play golf at UVA, he attempted to make the squad through tryouts. "My dad tried to walk on the team. He was playing 10 qualifying rounds of golf in 100 degrees at the same time he was pledging a fraternity. That was probably not a good com- bination," she said with a laugh. "I think my dad is very proud [of her playing at Virginia]. I think I lived out his dreams, and now he's living vicariously through me. I think when I committed here, I became the favorite child." A third-year majoring in commerce and concentrating in finance, Cleary has been a regular in the Cavaliers' lineup the past three seasons. She's had seven top-10 finishes, completed last fall ranked No. 35 in the nation and qualified for the 2023 Au- gusta National Women's Amateur. Cleary enjoys the college golfing experi- ence and being a part of a team in a sport that usually focuses on individuals. "I've always thought it was such an individ- ual sport, but being out with my teammates every day at practice and at tournaments, that's the best thing about college golf," she said. "It's so easy to get your mind off of golf at tournaments when you finish a round and you get to be surrounded by people you love." Cleary's favorite UVA memory so far came last spring at the NCAA Championships. The Cavaliers were hovering near the cut line and needed a strong finish to advance to the final day of team play. "We have to make a charge to make the cut, and Amanda Sambach hits it in the hole from 80 yards out for an eagle," Cleary said. "We all go crazy. I don't think I've ever been louder than that moment. Sharing that with my teammates was awesome." Cleary is enjoying her UVA experience beyond the golf course. "UVA has definitely bettered me as a per- son; academically, athletically, morally," she said. "Just being around such good people that kind of push me every single day to be the best version of myself. Being bigger than just a golfer or just a student." — Jim Daves Cleary has had seven top-10 finishes, completed last fall ranked No. 35 in the nation and qualified for the 2023 Augusta National Women's Amateur. (Photo courtesy UVA) 8 CAVALIER CORNER