Braselton, Ga- One of the most difficult balances for youth athletes is the balance between academics and athletics. Avery McCrery of Wilmington, Delaware made the transition to ICL Academy after realizing a change was needed as her golf career continued to propel.
McCrery is currently ranked No. 12 in the Rolex AJGA Rankings and has two AJGA victories on her resume. She was named a 2022 Rolex Junior All-American, a member of the 2022 Junior All-Star team, a member of the 2024 United States PING Junior Solheim Cup team and is currently verbally committed to Duke University. McCrery shares her experience in golf while attending ICL Academy.
How did you get involved with the ICL Academy?
I got started with ICL Academy through the AJGA. Early into my junior year we realized that at my current private school in Delaware it would be increasingly difficult for me to continue pursuing golf while also having the support I needed academically. ICL really fit what we were looking for and was by far the best fit for my schooling. We reached out to Jamie Groff and our experience with those at ICL were incredibly nice and welcoming, which really helped me make my final decision to attend!
Has your golf career changed since becoming a student of the ICL Academy?
My golf career has changed greatly since joining ICL. While at my previous school, golf was always secondary. At ICL, it feels as if golf is more integrated and something that works well with ICL’s system itself. As far as the impact this has had on my golf game, it frees me up to better prepare for my tournaments, which more often than not can help my performance. I no longer have to worry about missing class. I am able to schedule when I can complete class on my own time and can focus more on my golf which alleviates much stress during my tournaments, which is very helpful!
How would you describe ICL to someone who is unfamiliar with the school?
I would definitely describe it as more of a college feel. While I do have classes, most of my time is managed by myself, with the expectation that I can manage myself to success. I would also tell them about the mentors and teachers at ICL and how, since most of the student body are people with passions, they are very supportive and will help you balance school with your life the best they can. There are so many things you can do at ICL, whether that be extracurriculars, or simply just learn from your peers and teachers and apply that knowledge to your own life. The freedom to see who you can be is something I definitely credit ICL on helping people discover while also giving them the opportunity to do so.
In three words how would you describe your golf game?
My first word would be steady. I have gotten myself to a point with my game where I can play consistently, having less rounds where I make lots of bogeys and shoot way over par, but can also control my emotions and be in a steady mental state no matter how I play.
My second word would be powerful. I don’t always feel this way, but at 5’10” I’m pretty tall for a girl, which definitely translated into power on the course. I hit the ball off the tee, for the most part, past many of my competitors, and that is definitely one of my advantages on course, as I can out-hit out of my opponents.
My last word is probably one of the most important, and that would be fun! I love the grind of golf, playing outside and the people I’ve met through the sport. I think that as long as I can have fun with golf I’ll be able to play for many years to come, and never lose my spark for the sport!
What made you choose Duke University to further advance your academic and golf career?
One of the biggest things about Duke for me was that it checked all my boxes. I visited many schools while I was looking where to continue my golf career, and Duke really just hit all the points for me. At Duke I’ll be pursuing an economics degree, with the finance side being highlighted by elective classes which really gives me choices on what I would like to dive into. I really enjoy looking at markets and learning about industry and different factors that impact markets. Duke has the ability to fulfill my desire to learn about those things and much more. On the athletics side, Duke has produced a large number of LPGA athletes and I feel that the coaches there have created a great community that I can see myself fitting into.
The AJGA is proud to recognize ICL Academy as the #1 school for golfers, grades 5 through 12, and the preferred online school of the AJGA. Apply today to give yourself the best chance of being awarded scholarship funds while they are still available. ICL’s scholarship program is designed to make their unparalleled education accessible to more families. Don’t forget to ask about the exclusive discount available to AJGA members. Contact ICL Academy today at admissions@iclacademy.org.
About ICL Academy
ICL is backed by a community of partners and champions, including: AJGA, The ATP Tour, Wilson Sports, Universal Tennis, USA Diving, MLS Junior Soccer, Bode Miller, Monica Seles, Tommy Haas, the Bryan Brothers, Maggie Steffens, James Blake, James Vanderbeek, Mikkel Eriksen, Kerri Walsh Jennings, and Novak Djokovic.
For more than 20 years, ICL's Impact Learning Model has transformed the lives and futures of over 10,000 students. ICL graduates have gone on to pursue their dreams through many top tier college programs, competed at the Olympics, performed on Broadway, starred on hit TV shows and movies, signed major record deals, become respected doctors, CEOs, politicians, and have received multiple Congressional Medals of Service.
To learn more about ICL Academy and the scholarship opportunities that may be available, please visit ICLAcademy.org and select the “Learn More” option in the top right-hand corner of the page. Or if you are interested in speaking directly with the team at ICL Academy, please reach out to their partnership team at partnerships@iclacademy.org .
At ICL we are more than a school, we are a Community of Champions!