Julia Clement, a freshman on the women’s golf team at Waynesburg University has transitioned into collegiate golf with determination, both on and off the course.

As a Health and Exercise Science major, she’s quickly learned how to balance the rigorous demands of academics, alongside the challenges of collegiate golf.

“I plan my practice around my schoolwork so that way I can keep up with everything in my classes,” Clement said. 

That balancing act is common for student-athletes, but even as a freshman, Clement has shown an ability to manage her time and responsibilities.

Clement first picked up the sport in middle school, which according to Clement, is considered late for most golfers.

“Growing up, my dad played golf, so he got me started in a summer program when I was 13, and then I joined my high school team as a freshman,” Clement said.

One of the adjustment she had to make upon arriving at Waynesburg was going from nine to eighteen holes.

“I had to get used to playing for a lot longer than I was used to,” Clement said. 

Head coach Mike Cipoletti noticed her determination from the start.

“Julia knew that she had improvements to make in her game, and I could tell right away that she was determined to put in the work to make those improvements,” Cipoletti said. “She sets a high bar for herself, and wants to accomplish her goals quickly.” 

That determination has paid off, with Clement’s scores steadily improving throughout the fall season. For Clement, the most rewarding part of her freshman year has been seeing both her game and the team’s performance grow.

“My biggest highlight is my score improving throughout the season, and the team improving throughout the season,” she said.

This mindset has allowed Clement to grow, while also contributing to the team’s collective progress. 

Her golf game, though still a work in progress according to Clement, has steadily improved over the season. 

Most golfers use the fall season to figure out what they have to focus on for the spring, with one area Clement is focusing on is her driving and short game, specifically chipping and bunker shots. 

“For the team, I hope that we can improve our overall score and have a higher level of competition with the other teams,” she said.

A shift for Clement came when she started feeling more comfortable in her role as a freshman and a part of the four-member team. 

“The best part of working closely with my teammates is the friendships I have formed with them,” she said.

Looking ahead, Clement’s other goals are centered on continued improvement, both for herself and for the team. “I hope to continue lowering my score and work on getting more distance,” she said.

The key to her success is her ability to stay focused and positive, even when challenges arise, withCipoletti giving some encouraging words for his freshman. 

“Julia is an upbeat type of person, usually seems to be in a good mood and ready to seize the day,” he said. “She’s a great teammate, and I know she and Abigail [Noble] train a lot together, so I think that co-support has been very good for both of them.”