Four Hoos Honored as WGCA All-American Scholars

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Four members of the Virginia women’s golf team were named 2022 Women’s Golf Coaches Association Scholars today (July 7). That group is comprised of graduate student Beth Lillie (Fullerton, Calif.), senior Riley Smyth (Cary, N.C.), junior Celeste Valinho (Jacksonville, Fla.) and sophomore Jennifer Cleary (Wilmington, Del.). All four players had previously been named to the Atlantic Coast Conference’s All-ACC Academic Team.

The criteria for selection to the All-American Scholar Team is a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.50.

Lillie’s selection marked the fifth time during her career she has received the honor. Smyth received the recognition for the fourth time and it was the second time both Valinho and Cleary were recognized.

Lillie finished ninth at the NCAA Championships for the second consecutive season and was named an honorable mention All-American by the Women’s Golf Coaches Association. Cleary was an All-ACC pick after leading the team with five top-10 finishes. Valinho and Smyth each appeared in 10 tournaments and posted top-10 finishes during the season.

All four players contributed to UVA’s success at the NCAA Championships where the Cavaliers finished 15th overall.