Swarthmore softball standout Olivia McClammy ’25 has not only been stealing bases but also the attention of many for record-shattering effort. The senior utility player currently holds a handful of all-time program records, her first of the season on March 1, when she scored her tenth home run against the University of Rochester. A week later, McClammy claimed the all-time career runs record in a 10-0 sweep against Muhlenberg College. On April 5, the Garnet player broke a fifteen-year old record with her 167th career hit against McDaniel College. Nine days later, she hit her 39th and 40th career doubles, cementing herself as the all-time career doubles leader. To the surprise of no one, the Riverside, CT native hit her seventh home run against Washington College and broke the single-season home run record by seven. This past weekend, she broke the single-season RBI record. For her achievements, McClammy has been recognized as an NFCA Top Weekly Performer three-times this season, as well as the Centennial Conference Softball Player of the Week. Her previous honors include the NFCA All-Region First Team (2022), NFCA All-Region Second Team (2023), All-Centennial First Team (2022), All-Centennial Second Team (2024), CSC Academic All-District (2024), 2x Academic All-Centennial (2023, 2024), NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete (2024), and Centennial Honor Roll (2023, 2024), just to name a few.
On top of her individual success, McClammy reflects with pride on the success of her teammates, coaches, and staff. With a roster stacked with high-caliber athletes, Swarthmore softball has certainly proved it is ready to take on greater challenges in the postseason Centennial Conference. The Garnet currently leads 15-1 in the regular conference season, rolling strong as the No. 1 seed. They play No. 4 seed Muhlenberg College on Thursday at Clothier Softball Field, where McClammy is sure to ball out in “run”-derful fashion.
Aimee Lee: Congrats on all your school-program awards! Reflecting back on your streak this season, how are you feeling?
Olivia McClammy: Thank you! The season has been a lot of fun so far, and definitely excited for playoffs! It really has been an honor to have some of the records, and it shows how good this team has been these last couple years. A lot of the records like runs and RBIs can only come if everyone on the team is doing great!
AL: How do you feel about Centennial Tournament play? Are you excited?
OM: I am super excited for the playoffs. Everyone on the team has had some really clutch moments this year, so I am excited to see what the team brings to the playoffs!
AL: As you are closing out of your senior year, are there any memorable moments that have carried you throughout your collegiate career?
OM: There is one that always stands out, which is from my sophomore year: Kate Hart hit a walkoff home run to win the championship. Besides that, my favorite moments are when someone gets their first collegiate hit, home run, or strikeout. It is awesome to see everyone’s face light up.
AL: Game days can be exciting and nerve-wracking at times. How do you prepare for games? What do you and the team do in between doubleheaders? Any game-day rituals?
OM: Between doubleheaders, besides preparing for the next game, our coaches provide awesome snacks. My favorite is the extra cheddar goldfish, but fruit snacks and gushers are popular ones!
AL: Playing and studying at Swarthmore certainly isn’t easy, especially in season. How have you found balance between your priorities?
OM: This is definitely something that I had to get used to freshman year, and I think time management and learning what works best for you is really important to learn during that pass-fail semester freshman year. I think picking a good study spot and having a planner always helps!
AL: What are some team or personal goals for the rest of the season?
OM: Team goals are definitely to win the championship and go to regionals. Personally, I am just trying to enjoy every moment and have fun!
AL: What is your favorite class that you’ve taken at Swarthmore? Do you have post-graduation plans?
OM: My favorite class I have taken at Swarthmore was History of Opera! I am a mathematics and economics double-major so that was definitely a switch up from my normal classes, and I really enjoyed it! After graduation, I am going to work in New York City at UBS in banking.
AL: Any movie or TV recommendations?
OM: Modern Family is my favorite!
