The Eastern Michigan University women’s golf team has reached new heights this season, fueled by the arrival of high-caliber talent that has captured national attention. At the center of this surge is Janae Leovao, a senior transfer who has not only met but exceeded expectations since joining the Eagles. Her recent recognition as a Golfweek All-American on June 10, 2026, marks a historic milestone for the program and underscores the elite level of play she brings to the green.
A native of Oceanside, California, Leovao’s journey to Ypsilanti followed a dominant three-year tenure at Long Beach State. Standing at 5-8, the El Camino High School graduate arrived at Eastern Michigan with a resume that few can match. During her time with "The Beach," she was a consistent force in the Big West Conference, earning First Team All-Big West honors in the 2023-24 season and Second Team honors the year prior. Her ability to perform on the biggest stages was evident early on, as she qualified for NCAA Regional competitions twice, including a standout performance as an individual qualifier in 2025.
Leovao’s final season at Long Beach State was nothing short of spectacular. She finished that year with a Scoreboard/Clippd ranking of No. 148, at one point climbing as high as No. 130. Her consistency was her trademark; she finished in the top 25 in all 12 events she competed in, including ten top-20 finishes and four top-10 finishes. Perhaps most impressively, she was the top individual at the NCAA Gold Canyon Regional, where she tied for eighth place with an even-par performance.
When Leovao decided to transfer to Eastern Michigan for her final year of eligibility, she didn't come alone. In a move that has bolstered the Eagles' roster both competitively and culturally, she is competing alongside her twin sister, Jasmine Leovao. This sister duo has been a recurring theme throughout their careers; at one event during their time at Long Beach State, Janae finished second only to Jasmine, who took the title. The synergy between the two has provided a unique edge for the EMU roster.
The accolades for Leovao have come in waves. In addition to her Golfweek All-American status, she earned WGCA All-America honors on June 2, 2026. This individual success is part of a broader renaissance for EMU women’s golf. The program’s leadership has also been recognized on a national scale, with Brewer being named the Golfweek National Coach of the Year.
Off the course, Leovao excelled as a Business Management major, having originally entered the collegiate ranks after graduating from high school with honors. Her foundational success as a four-time first-team All-CIF selection and a two-time Avocado East League Champion provided the necessary discipline for her to thrive throughout her Division I career. Having completed her final season, she leaves Eastern Michigan after successfully helping to define a new era of excellence for the Eagles.
With an All-American now among its alumni and a National Coach of the Year continuing at the helm, the Eastern Michigan women’s golf program has cemented its status not just as a contender in the Mid-American Conference, but as a recognized player on the national stage. Although Janae Leovao has graduated and concluded her collegiate campaign, the impact of this California standout will be felt in the EMU record books for years to come.
