Cougar Corner: Claire Hogle - Cal State San Marcos Athletics (2024)

Greg Siller

Women's Golf 6/1/2020 12:52:00 PM

In the 11th edition of the Cougar Corner series, we sat down with women's golfer Claire Hogle, a junior from Rancho Bernardo, California.

Q: What is your most memorable experience as a student-athlete?
We made it to nationals last year, and that was really special because we didn't make it my freshman year. It was really special to make it to nationals and experience that tournament because it was very different from the events we had been playing. It was a great postseason event in West Palm Beach, Florida, and it's great golf course that the PGA also plays. Being there and experiencing all the best teams and competition with a team that I love so much was really great. I love my teammates!

Q: Describe how you've grown as a leader and how that's helped you develop in your time at CSUSM.
Coming into the team, I think I've always had leadership qualities, but obviously you can't lead a team you don't know about or a program you're new to. I think the team and I have been fortunate to have some really strong upperclassmen that have set a good example of what it means to lead a team and perform well on the course and in the classroom. My teammates have had really good character, and my coach has always set a high standard. I think it's made me grow as a person and develop more character. With that, I think that most of leadership is leading by example.

Q:What was it like when you committed to CSUSM?
It didn't feel like a major transition because Istayed relatively close to home, but I was excited to play on a team and felt I was being welcomed by the coach and the team. They were excited to have me and saw my potential of me playing an important role on the team. It was exciting to come into something that I felt welcomed to. I was also able to keep some structure and comfort in my life (being close to home), but I was also in a place I could grow.

Q: What would you say to someone who's considering coming to CSUSM? It's something that you should look forward to. Our athletics program is close knit because we are a smaller school, and I like the feeling of having friends among the different teams. We have shirts that say "family", and yeah, it definitely feels like a little family. Coming to Cal State San Marcos is something that you should be excited for and lookforward to.

Q: Favorite class?
Hmmm, I've taken so many classes that I've liked. I just like to learn and think education is empowering. This past semester, I took a class that was communication theory, and before COVID shut down in-person classes, the professor would give really good lectures. His name is Dr. De La Garza. He was so smart and very insightful. He would give us his expectations with really high standards to be successful in his class.

Q:How did you get started in golf?
My dad has played golf his entire life so I grew up around it, but I never played or pursued it. In eighth grade, my mom told me that I have to play at least one season of high school golf or else. So I played my one season which I prepared all summer for, and I really liked it. I didn't want to at first, but I ended up really liking it and pursued it to take it further.

Q: Favorite pre-competition meal?
Well, I wouldn't say I have a certain go-to meal before every tournament. I just try to choose something that will sustain me throughout the tournament.

Q:What is your favorite team tradition?
When we get rental cars for away tournaments, Savannah Magallonwould always be the DJ in the car and would play 90's R&B love songs. We would all sing them in the car. We're all just goof balls and have fun.

Q: Favorite part of traveling? Just being around my best friends honestly! Just getting to spend time with them because we have a lot of fun together.
Q: Which animated character does Coach Johnson remind you of? She reminds me of Joy from Inside Out because she's so happy and positive all the time.
Q: What was the best movie you saw last and why? I think it was called The Adjustment Bureau. I thought it was a really creative concept.

Q: Best advice you have received?
Trust yourself. That goes for so many different areas of life. If something doesn't feel right, trust yourself because it's probably not. In golf, if you trust yourself and trust your abilities, you will have confidence in yourself and your shots.

Q:What is your favorite follow on social media?
The one that popped into my head is Lexi Thompson. She's an LPGA Tour player, and she's inspiring because she's doing what I would like to be doing. She's successful in the LPGA tour, and she works out really hard and looks very strong. When you're an athlete, it's easy to struggle with body image, especially with societal standards. She appears to be strong and does what's best for her career and game, and I look up to that.

Q: What would you sing at Karaoke night?
I actually like to sing, and I'm very okay at singing. I would probably pick Such Great Heights.

Q: What is your most unusual talent? I wouldn't say I have an unusual talent, so I would say I'm an okay singer!
Q: What are you currently watching on Netflix? That 70's Show. Love the old school vibes.
Q: Name someone (living) you would want to switch places with for a day? Tiger Woods. I just watched a documentary about him. I was too young when he was in his prime, so I didn't get to experience him at his best. Watching that documentary showed me just how impressive he is, and I would love to know how he is so mentally tough and what it feels like to putt or swing like him.

Q: What's the best part about being a Cougar?
I love the close-knit feel and how you get to know people in athletics, in your major and around campus.