Oregon State Q&A: Clara Alevag

Clara Alevag, a native of Gothenburg, Sweden, will be a true freshman on the Oregon State women's golf team for the 2024-25 season.

She shot a career-best 3-under 69 at the 2021 Slaget om Goteborg that helped her claim medalist honors and finished in second place at the 2021, 2022 and 2023 Teen Tour Future. Alevag graduated with a 3.5 cumulative GPA at Kitas Gymnasium.

Alevag recently participated in a Q&A with OSUBeavers.com. Here's what she had to say:

Do you remember the first time you stepped on the Oregon State campus and what it meant to you?
Clara Alevag: Stepping on the campus was an unbelievable experience, and a feeling of "I did it." Seeing it all with my own eyes was awesome. All the beautiful buildings, the flowers that bloom and all the people that seemed so nice and welcoming. It really gave a feeling of warmth.

When did you know you wanted to be a student-athlete at the college level? What drew you to it?
CA: As a girl who always seeks opportunities to develop, I viewed, and still does, college as a great way to do so. Getting the opportunity to develop both my golf and my education was for me a chance I couldn't resist. Also, as I'm moving from my home country I do develop as a person as well.

What's one thing you wish more people knew about women's golf and what it takes to be competitive?
CA: Golf is not a sport that only requires you to be good at hitting golf balls. To succeed, you need to be able to hit every shot at a high level. There are so many components that need to be learned well, and it can be difficult. The most difficult thing I would say is your head. It doesn't matter how well you hit your driver if you don't believe in yourself. The mindset is everything.

If you could change one rule about golf, what would it be and why?
CA: That boys should be able to wear shorts, just as us women can wear skirts on tournaments. It's in my eyes inhuman to play with long pants in 30+ plus trying to stay concentrated.

What does it mean to you to wear the Orange and Black?
CA: Everything. I am proud to represent Oregon State University and our colors both on and off the golf course. I want the whole world to know our values, the way we work together and not against each other and that we all work to be better.

If you could pick any other sport to play, what would it be and why?
CA: Gymnastics. Having that control over your body with that amount of muscle will not only help you through your teenage years, but also throughout your whole life. Being flexible and strong is for me so important.

What drives you to succeed?
CA: What drives me to succeed in golf are primarily my personal goals. I feel a strong sense of satisfaction when I see my progress, such as improving my technique or lowering my scores. The inner joy of knowing that I am developing and getting better is a powerful motivator for me. In addition, my competitive spirit is a significant motivation. I love competing against others, whether it's in a friendly match or a more serious competition. The feeling of winning and performing at a high level gives me immense satisfaction and spurs me to continue training and improving my game.

What makes you want to be successful off the course? What drives your success in the classroom?
CA: My drive in school comes from my curiosity and desire to learn new things. I love the feeling of understanding something complex and applying that knowledge in practice. In addition, I want to create opportunities for myself in the future. I know that academic success can open doors to career opportunities and personal development paths that complement my achievements in golf. The combination of developing both mentally and physically gives me a sense of wholeness that I highly value.

If you could have dinner with three athletes, dead or alive, who would they be?
CA: Nelly Korda (I would love to learn all the different shots she's able to hit) , Zlatan Ibrahimovic (because of his mindset and belief in himself) and Serena Williams (she's in my eyes a role model for all of the female athletes around the world.)

Who did you look up to growing up? What made you look up to them?
CA: When I was growing up, I really looked up to Serena Williams. Her determination, strength, and ability to overcome adversity always impressed me. Serena is not only an exceptional athlete but also a person who has broken barriers and challenged norms in her sport and in society at large.

Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
CA: In 20 years I see myself as a role model for younger girls that also wants to succeed on the LPGA-tour, or in golf in general. Even though winning tournaments drives me to always become better, there's also just as important to stand up for what's right, such as human rights for example.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given? And who gave it to you?
CA: My father. He once told me that it's all about commitment when it comes to everything. It will be hard, you will give up and sometimes you'll doubt yourself. But if you truly put your mind to it and do everything in your power to make it happen, you've done it all. At the end of the day, it's all up to you.

What kind of mark do you want to leave from your time in Corvallis?
CA: During my time in Corvallis, I want to leave a mark as a role model both on and off the golf course. I strive to inspire others with my positive attitude and demonstrate that mindset is everything. I want people to remember me as someone who always faced challenges with optimism and determination, and who supported and motivated their teammates and fellow students.

Name your top three things to do in Oregon when you're not playing or studying.
CA: Because this being my first year, I can't really give some good examples. But hope to be able to do so next year :).

What are your favorite topping(s) on a hot dog?
CA: Very basic, ketchup and mustard. In Sweden we often top it with roasted onions, which I love.

How about ice cream? What do you have to put on it?
CA: Mint chocolate, each and every time!!!!!

Your preferred pre-competition meal?
CA: I'm not that picky with meals in general or before it's time to play. But something that gives me enough energy to be able to focus is for me important. Meat or pasta for example.

What are your top-three favorite movies?
CA: Notting Hill, Dumb-Dumber and The Notebook.

What's in your pre-event playlist?
CA: Everything that gives me energy!!!!! It's quite a mix but Queen and Shawn Mendes for example.

Players Mentioned

Clara Alevag

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