Bowling Green State University Athletics
Hall of Fame
Julie Bender-Cleary
- Induction:
- 1990
- Class:
- 1984
Julie Bender-Cleary overcame scoliosis, a potentially crippling disease that causes curvature of the spine, to be one of the top gymnasts in the history of the program. The Middleville, Michigan native started her collegiate career at Louisville where she earned All-American honors while also capturing the AIAW All-Around title at the regional meet.
After major spinal surgery in 1981 to correct worsening back problems, she led the Falcons to the 1983 MAC team title winning the individual all-around and vault titles. A co-captain her senior year, Bender-Cleary tied for the all-around title while winning the vault championship at the league meet. She was the first gymnast in the MAC to repeat as the all-around champion.Â
A 1984 graduate with a degree in sport management, Bender-Cleary coached Magnificat high School in Rocky River, Ohio to the 1989-90 Ohio state championship. She has also coached at Great Lakes Gymnastics.
Bender-Cleary was inducted into the BGSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1990.
After major spinal surgery in 1981 to correct worsening back problems, she led the Falcons to the 1983 MAC team title winning the individual all-around and vault titles. A co-captain her senior year, Bender-Cleary tied for the all-around title while winning the vault championship at the league meet. She was the first gymnast in the MAC to repeat as the all-around champion.Â
A 1984 graduate with a degree in sport management, Bender-Cleary coached Magnificat high School in Rocky River, Ohio to the 1989-90 Ohio state championship. She has also coached at Great Lakes Gymnastics.
Bender-Cleary was inducted into the BGSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1990.
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