University Park, Pa. - Adjusting to a new environment can be difficult, but women's golf freshman Mathilde Delavallade has found a home for herself at Penn State since making the trip over from Royan, France this past fall.
Delavallade was a successful amateur golfer in Europe prior to arriving at Penn State. She had 11 top-10 finishes and two victories to her name, along with ranking No. 115 in the World Amateur Golf Rankings at one point. Delavallade's talent on the course was one of many factors that contributed to coach Denise St. Pierre recruiting her after visiting the Girls' British Open Amateur Championship in Ireland.
"We felt that she was going to be a great fit for us," St. Pierre said. "Certainly, she has had a great track record with her junior golf. She was somebody that we really felt could help our program and our team."
At the time Delavallade connected with Penn State, she had an important decision to make. In France, there was no way for her to continue her golf career through college. She knew if she wanted to continue her education and golf career, she would have to leave. Penn State was the perfect fit for her, from both an academic and athletic perspective.
"It had everything I wanted," Delavallade said. "I like the fact that the golf team is great, but the whole athletic program is great too. It's really a positive environment."
The adjustment on the golf course went well for Delavallade. There were no significant differences to her between the American collegiate style of play compared to what she was used to in Europe, and she enjoys missing less class time due to golf than she did in France.
Adapting to school in the United States proved to be a little more of a challenge for Delavallade, who was quite overwhelmed at first.
"In France you just have to get a 50 percent and if you put your best effort in every class you will be fine," Delavallade said, "Here, when I heard you needed a 90 percent to get an A, I thought 'How am I supposed to do that?'"
Despite the adjustment, Delavallade was able to develop a high academic standard, thanks to understanding and help from St. Pierre, who gave her extra time to work on assignments and with tutors. That work paid off for the freshman, who has settled in nicely to the academic role of being a student-athlete in the United States.
"I still remember how nervous she was getting ready for that first exam," St. Pierre said. "She practically aced the exam. She already had some maturity that you don't see in freshmen very often."
Delavallade credits a lot of her acclimation process at Penn State to her coaches and teammates.
"Every time I have a question, I can just ask my teammates," said Delavallade. "They're always here to help me, so that's really cool."
Delavallade is the first international player on the Penn State women's golf team in two seasons. St. Pierre is happy that she adds more diversity to the Penn State program, and she believes her acclimation has been a positive impact for all her players.
"Anytime you can bring some diversity into your team, I think it always helps with everyone's experience," St. Pierre said. "I know that my players have really enjoyed getting to know Mathilde, and how different her experiences have been to theirs."
It's been about one year since Delavallade first visited Penn State. She still talks to her parents every day and even keeps up with other friends who play collegiate golf across the United States. Though it's been an adjustment getting used to this new life, she is very happy with her decision to take on the challenge.
"I have no regrets," Delavallade said. "It's hard sometimes to be far away from home, but it's great. Everyone is here to help you and make it enjoyable."
Delavallade looks to continue her strong freshman season, which already includes two top 10 finishes, when Penn State takes part in the Lady Gator Invitational Saturday and Sunday in Gainesville, Florida.
