Sanjana Priyonti, Executive Editor
For Clara Earley (C ’26), choosing Sewanee came down to more than just academics or athletics – it was about people.
“I knew I wanted neuroscience, and I knew I wanted to play sports,” Earley said. That combination quickly narrowed her college search to Division III schools where she could pursue both without the pressures of athletic scholarships. Though she considered other institutions, including one in Michigan with a similar academic structure, it was her campus visit to Sewanee that made the difference. “Everybody is nice when you visit,” she said, “but I really liked how the Sewanee team interacted with each other, and with me. It felt genuine.”
That sense of belonging continues to define Earley’s experience on the Mountain. A neuroscience major with minors in biology, economics, and Latin, she has fully embraced Sewanee’s liberal arts ethos. “Once I realized I could overload for free, I thought, why not?” she said. While students at other universities often pay extra to take additional courses, Earley took advantage of Sewanee’s flexibility to explore widely across disciplines.
Her academic interests are anything but scattered. Neuroscience, she explained, sits at the frontier of scientific discovery. “We’ve learned so much in the past couple of decades, but not nearly enough. It’s still growing exponentially.” Her economics minor – especially her interest in behavioral economics and microeconomics – complements this, offering what she describes as “the math side of neuroscience.” Even Latin, which she initially pursued due to scheduling constraints, provides a meaningful intellectual exercise. “It teaches you to think about language, and problem-solving in a completely different way.”
Outside the classroom, Earley’s schedule is just as full. A dual-sport athlete, she competes in both cross country and lacrosse, transitioning between seasons with remarkable ease. “The transition is abrupt,” she said, “but the best part of being on a team is always the people.” Both on and off the field, her teammates form the core of her daily life.
She also serves as a Lead Proctor, manages the Neurds Club, and has been involved in numerous campus initiatives, though she is careful about her commitments. “I never stretched myself too thin,” she said. “I only say yes to things I know I can do well.” That discernment has allowed her to stay deeply involved without burning out, a balance many students struggle to find.
Earley’s path toward medicine stems from both intellectual and personal philosophy. Drawn to problem-solving from a young age, she recalls moments in her life that underscored the importance of timing in care. “If help doesn’t come in time, it doesn’t matter,” she said. This urgency drives her ambition to become a trauma surgeon, a field where decisions must be both rapid and precise. “You have to have the knowledge and the resources, but you also have to act.”
Earley believes Sewanee prepares students well for that path, though not always in the most direct way. While many pre-med students once aimed to go straight to medical school after graduation, Earley noted more are delaying. “Most people don’t directly matriculate anymore,” she explained, citing the growing demands of medical school applications and the wide range of commitments Sewanee students take on. “We’re so involved here, it’s hard to do everything at once.”
Still, the support Sewanee offers makes it possible to take on ambitious studies as well as extracurricular interests. “Everyone’s willing to help,” she said of the pre-health advising system. “You just have to reach out.”
Beyond academics and career goals, it is the Sewanee community that has had the most lasting impact on Earley. “If you find your group, even just one person, you’re set,” she said. Her own friendships, many of which began through athletics, have grown into a tight-knit network that shapes her daily life. “Once you find one person, everything branches out from there.”
One of those friendships, her bond with teammate Samantha Ude (C ’26), began even before arriving on campus, through summer runs in their hometown of Nashville. “By the end of orientation, we were best friends,” she said. “We’re not quite sure how it happened, but we clicked.”
Earley credits much of her character and leadership style to her upbringing and early experiences, particularly her years in karate. Beginning at age four and earning her black belt by nine, she was mentored by a teacher who emphasized respect, discipline, and teaching others. “He taught me how to lead, how to improve, and how to help others improve,” she said. “Everything I know about teaching comes from that.”
At Sewanee, she has found mentors who continue to shape her academic journey. She speaks highly of professors across departments – from Dr. Joslin’s engaging chemistry lectures to Dr. McDonald’s thoughtful precision in English seminars. “They challenge you,” she said, “but they also support you every step of the way.”
Though she is known for her many titles, most students know her from her job at Biehl Commons, where she’s known for handing out candies and making connections. “It’s a great way to meet people,” she said with a laugh.
And if you happen to run into her, don’t be surprised if she offers you a mint mentos or insists it counts as candy.