A pair of student-athletes named All-American Scholars

CORAL SPRINGS, FL - Two student-athletes from Women's Golf, Mikaela Paracuelles ('24) and Elana McGrew ('28) were honored with All-American Scholar awards from the Women's Golf Coaches Association (WGCA) for their stellar academic and athletic performance throughout the 2023-24 academic year.

The WGCA measures student-athletes for these esteemed honors using strict criteria, intending to showcase high-level academic achievement. McGrew shared her feelings about this new honor for her. "Being named an All-American Scholar is incredibly rewarding. It validates all the time dedicated to studying in the midst of attending golf practice, strength & conditioning, tournaments, and work. I'm proud to represent UC Santa Cruz both academically and athletically."

Earning an award like this is certainly not an assumption. McGrew explained the importance of time management, focus, and communication. "I used a detailed google calendar and made sure to lock in during each study session. I also communicated openly with my professors and coaches about my commitments especially when missing school for tournaments."

The Banana Slugs continue to excel in the classroom and in competition. Womens' Golf Head Coach, Paulette Pera, has been coaching the Banana Slugs for over 20 years and continues to see student-athletes in her purview excel year after year. " it's an immense honor and a testament to the dedication of our student-athletes to have consistently coached All-American Scholars for seven years in a row. I plan our schedule to accommodate the least amount of missed class, and they take it from there. They are truly self-motivated."

"The intercollegiate golf season is a journey filled with ebbs and flows. The fall season typically focuses on building a strong foundation, with early tournaments providing a benchmark for student-athlete skills and areas that need improvement. Winter is a critical period for refining techniques, addressing any physical or mental challenges, and maintaining fitness. The spring season brings the intensity of competition, where every match and tournament becomes a stepping stone towards conference championships and, ultimately, national recognition."

Coach Pera expanded on how she prepares student-athletes for success and potentially becoming All-American Scholars by mentioning several key areas of focus:

Individualized Training Plans: Each student-athlete receives a tailored training plan that addresses their specific strengths and weaknesses. This includes technical drills, course management strategies, and physical conditioning.
Mental Toughness: Golf is as much a mental game as it is physical. We incorporate mental training techniques to help athletes handle pressure, stay focused, and maintain a positive mindset.
Academic Support: Balancing academics and athletics is crucial. We ensure our student-athletes have access to academic resources, including tutoring and study sessions, to help them excel in their studies.
Goal Setting: We work with each student-athlete to set both short-term and long-term goals, fostering a sense of purpose and direction. Regular check-ins help to track progress and make necessary adjustments.
Team Cohesion: Building a strong team dynamic is essential. We encourage camaraderie and support among teammates, creating a positive and motivating environment.
Competitive Opportunities: Providing ample opportunities for competition helps our student-athletes gain experience and confidence. We carefully select tournaments that challenge them and expose them to different playing conditions.

Pera went on to explain "by focusing on these areas, we aim to develop well-rounded individuals who excel both on the golf course and in their academic pursuits. The continuous success of our All-American Scholars is a reflection of this approach, and it is a privilege to guide and support these talented student-athletes on their journey."

The full press release from the WGCA is available here. UC Santa Cruz Women's Golf will begin their 2024-25 season in September with a mini-camp before their first competition of the year at the California State Intercollegiate Tournament hosted by Cal Lutheran at the Las Olivios Course in Ventura, CA September 7-10. McGrew is excited for next season and is already setting her goals. "For 2024-25, I'm aiming to maintain my GPA while taking on more advanced courses in my MCD Biology major. Also, I will continue working as a clinical assistant which continually expands my knowledge of the medical field. Athletically, I hope to post consistently low golf scores and am super excited for a fun season with the five new freshmen [joining] the team."

The full schedule of events for Women's Golf is now available on goslugs.com.

Players Mentioned

Elana McGrew

Mikaela Paracuelles

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