Lindsey Cleary '20 — How a CMS Education Fueled a Global Basketball Journey

When Lindsey Cleary '20 first stepped onto the courts at Roberts Pavilion, she wasn't just pursuing basketball, she was pursuing balance. That balance between academics and athletics, rigor and community, is what she says defines her time at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps and Claremont McKenna College.

"I've always cared deeply about academics," Cleary reflected. "My high school was really competitive, and I loved that environment. When I visited CMS, I saw that same energy - people striving for excellence in every area. I knew I could challenge myself on the court and in the classroom."
  Building Discipline Through the CMS Experience

Cleary majored in Computer Science at CMC, a program that demanded precision, creativity, and problem-solving, skills that mirrored her approach to basketball.

"Computer science taught me how to break things down into steps and think strategically," she said. "It's a lot like basketball. You have to analyze, adapt, and communicate clearly under pressure. Balancing both taught me discipline and time management in a way that few other experiences could."

Cleary credits the structure of being a student-athlete with helping her thrive academically.

"The schedule was intense - early weights, classes, afternoon practices, and late nights studying," she recalled. "But CMS provided so many resources: tutoring, supportive professors, and teammates who understood the grind. It wasn't easy, but it was rewarding."

Her academic and athletic communities often overlapped in unexpected ways. Study halls with teammates turned into late-night brainstorming sessions, and friendly competitions, like "STEM vs. non-STEM" team challenges, helped keep the balance fun.
  A CMS Foundation That Translates Beyond the Court

The lessons Cleary learned in the classroom and on the hardwood shaped how she approaches life after college.

"The top skills I took from my CMS experience are time management, teamwork, and communication," she said. "Whether you're running a play or tackling a group project, you have to work with others, be accountable, and put the collective goal first."

She points to her professors as key mentors who helped her grow intellectually and personally.

"I loved my creative writing class. It gave me a new way to express myself outside of sports and coding," Cleary said. "And Professor Dodds was such a source of encouragement. His enthusiasm was contagious, and it really helped me through the academic demands of senior year."
  From Tech to the International Game

After graduating from CMC, Cleary entered the tech world, a natural next step for a computer science major. But during the pandemic lockdown, she found herself reflecting on what was missing.

"I realized I loved my job, but I missed that sense of growth and competition that basketball gave me," she said. "Playing again reminded me that I still had more to learn and give to the sport."

That realization led her overseas, first to the United Kingdom, where she pursued her master's degree while playing professionally, and now to North Macedonia, where she continues her basketball career.

Her CMS background, she says, gave her the confidence to take that leap.

"CMS taught me to be adaptable and curious, to ask questions, to problem-solve, and to embrace challenges," she said. "Moving to a new country every season can be tough, but I treat it like any big project: you take it piece by piece until it starts to make sense."
  Building a Career Abroad

Cleary's professional career began in England in 2021, after she was contacted by an organization that partnered with British universities to bring in student-athletes for postgraduate programs. Though she initially turned down the offer to fulfill a job commitment, she couldn't shake the feeling that she wasn't done with basketball.

"When I was finally ready, I reached back out," she said. "It was the perfect balance. I could continue learning academically and play the game at a high level."

Over the next four years, Cleary became a consistent presence in the Women's British Basketball League, one of the top professional leagues in Europe for developing players. Her seasons in the UK were marked not only by her growth on the court, but also by her immersion in new cultures, cities, and communities.

"The transition to England was smooth because of the shared language, but it was still a big adjustment," she said. "You have to learn how to build community all over again. Luckily, I was on teams full of players who were also far from home - we supported each other."

Now in her fifth professional season, Cleary has taken her talents to North Macedonia, playing in a league that features a mix of European and Balkan competition. The transition to a country where English is not the first language has challenged her in new ways, and that's exactly what she loves about it.

"This year is different because I'm in an environment where communication requires more effort," she said. "It's humbling and exciting. I'm learning a new culture, a new pace of play, and new ways to connect with teammates. Every season adds something new to my game and my perspective."
  The Global Game: Lessons from Overseas

For Cleary, the international experience has reshaped how she understands basketball - and herself.

"In college, I was a role player in an offense that relied on team balance," she said. "Overseas, I've often been put in positions where I'm expected to create and score. It pushed me to expand my game and my confidence."

She's also noticed how her CMS education and athletic background have helped her thrive in the unpredictable world of professional sports.

"At CMS, you're constantly switching gears -  from lab work to practice to late-night study sessions," she explained. "That adaptability has been crucial overseas. You never know what's coming next - a change in coaching, travel issues, or even language barriers,  but you learn to problem-solve and stay composed."

The rewards, she says, far outweigh the challenges.

"The most rewarding part is the people," Cleary said. "I've met teammates from all over the world,  players from the U.S., Europe, Africa, Australia, and everyone brings their own story and style of play. You learn so much just by being around that diversity."
  Global Lessons, Athena Roots

From studying algorithms in the CMC computer labs to navigating new cultures abroad, Cleary continues to see connections between her academic foundation and her athletic journey.

"In computer science, you're constantly iterating and improving your code," she said. "Basketball, and life,work the same way. You make adjustments, you test new approaches, and you learn from your mistakes."

While she's grown as a player overseas, taking on leadership roles and becoming a go-to scorer, she credits her CMS years with giving her the mindset to keep evolving.
"Being an Athena was about growth," she said. "It wasn't just about wins and losses - it was about learning, leading, and lifting others up."
  Advice for the Next Generation

For current Athenas balancing demanding coursework and athletic commitments, Cleary offers encouragement grounded in experience.

"Ask for help from professors, coaches, teammates," she said. "It's not a weakness. It's how you get farther faster. CMS has such a strong community - use it."

And for those dreaming of taking their game beyond college, she adds:

"Tell your coaches your goals so they can support you. Take care of your body. And remember, the habits you build at CMS - discipline, curiosity, resilience - those will carry you through any challenge."
  A Legacy of Learning and Leadership

Today, whether she's studying game film, working with young players, or diving into a new coding project, Cleary still embodies the values she developed at CMS.

"I'm grateful for the opportunities CMS gave me," she said. "The combination of academics, athletics, and community shaped who I am. The people I met there - teammates, classmates, professors - they're still part of my story."

For Cleary, being an Athena wasn't just about competing, it was about discovering how to learn, lead, and live with purpose. And from Claremont to North Macedonia, that legacy continues to guide her.