Hokie ClubFor junior golfer Valentine Delon, golf has been a part of her life for as long as she can remember. Born and raised in Paris, France, she jokes that her golf journey began “at birth,” after her parents placed a tiny club in her hands as a baby. What started as playful afternoons on the course with her parents quickly became a lifelong passion, one that would carry her across continents, through moments of triumph, and challenges alike.
At just eight years old, Delon’s life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with scoliosis, a condition that causes curvature of the spine. Her grandfather, a doctor, was the first to notice something unusual about her back. After consultations and months in a back brace, doctors determined she would need surgery to prevent future complications. In May 2019, Delon underwent her procedure, one that could have ended her ability to play golf altogether, but instead, it became her motivation.
“When they explained why I needed the surgery, I understood, because as you get older, it can become hard to breathe, and you’re going to feel different, because your back is going to be moving differently.”
The recovery was long and demanding. Delon spent three weeks in the hospital and months rebuilding strength. While friends were playing in summer tournaments, she was relearning how to move. She practiced putting from a modified stance and waited six months before taking her first full swing again. Yet even in those challenging moments, she found perspective. Seeing others in recovery, she realized how fortunate she was to have the chance to return to the sport she loved.
“I couldn’t go to the beach, I couldn’t play golf, and it was pretty hard, but I think these hard moments mean something and created something in me that now I use when I play golf every day.”
That mindset – grateful, grounded and resilient – shaped the athlete and person she is today. When it came time for the college recruiting process, Delon leaned into her story, not away from it. She spoke openly about her surgery, framing it not as a setback but as proof of perseverance.
“I know few people have been through that,” she said. “It makes me different. It helps me never give up.”
Now representing Virginia Tech, Delon brings the same determination to the course that helped her through recovery. Her surgery taught her patience and that success, like healing, takes time. It also gave her a deeper appreciation for every moment on the course.
That fight translated into an impressive 2024-25 campaign for the Hokies. Delon competed in all 11 events, posting a team-best 16 par-or-better rounds and a 72.50 scoring average. Her consistency earned her seven top-20 finishes and recognition as a WGCA All-American Scholar. Delon also recorded runner-up honors at the Schooner Fall Classic and top finishes at the Daniel Island and Ironwood Invitationals, helping lead Tech to multiple team titles.