In 1997, Auburn softball competed in its inaugural season. Throughout the 2022 campaign, we are celebrating the many faces, moments and victories that have shaped our program over the last 25 years.
As part of our 25 Years of Auburn Softball celebration, we're checking in with alumni from every era of the program to share their memories of being a Tiger.
We're kicking off the series with someone who was there at the very beginning: a three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll member, infielder Becky Cleary. From New Brunswick, N.J., Cleary competed with the Tigers from 1997 to 2000.
Q: Why did you decide to continue your softball career at Auburn?
Cleary: I was honored to play for Auburn during the first four years of the program. It was amazing to be part of the Auburn family! I picked Auburn because I knew it was the right fit for me from the moment I stepped foot on campus.
Q: What is your favorite on-field memory?
Cleary: Beating a ranked LSU team in the first SEC Tournament.
Q: What do you consider your biggest accomplishment during your collegiate career – on or off the field?
Cleary: I was the first four-year player within Auburn softball. I was also responsible for the winning run in our first home and away victories against Alabama.
Q: Why is one of your favorite memories with a teammate?
Cleary: One of my favorite memories was explaining to Chris Steiner that New York and Newark were two different places.
Q: Looking back at your career, what is one word you'd use to describe it?
Cleary: Formative. The things I learned and experienced both on and off the field at Auburn made me the successful woman I am today.
Q: Who influenced your softball career the most?
Cleary: My father pushed me to be the best I could be, which enabled me to end up at Auburn all the way from New Jersey.
Q: What was your favorite uniform combo?
Cleary: We somehow survived the white-on-white short combo! My favorite uniform was the all-white with orange lettering.
Q: What advice would you give to current/future Auburn softball student-athletes?
Cleary: Be present in all aspects of being a student-athlete. You won't be able to fin a perfect balance, but you can do your best in school, softball and life.
Q: If you can give a message to the Auburn Family, what would it be?
Cleary: War Eagle, forever!
Q: What degree did you earn? What is your current career path?
Cleary: I earned a bachelor's degree in history from Auburn, a master's degree in industrial and organizational psychology from Austin Peay and a specialist degree in educational leadership from Kennesaw State. I'm currently working on my doctoral degree in educational leadership at Kennesaw State and expect to graduate in the spring of 2024. I am an assistant principal and plan to become a superintendent and eventually a college professor in education.