Career
Early in his pair career, Van Cleave skated with Sarah McCoy, representing Canada. The pair participated in Junior Grand Prix events. He later teamed up with Ameena Sheikh representing the United States.
The pair placed 8th on the junior level at the 2009 United States. Championships.
In 2010, Van Cleave teamed up with Mari Vartmann to compete for Germany. Their coach is Knut Schubert.
Their first major international event was the 2012 European Championships. On January 26, during the morning practice before the long programs, Vartmann collided with Daniel Wende while they were attempting to avoid a French couple.
Vartmann and Van Cleave finished 5th at the event.
Vartmann and Van Cleave withdrew from the 2012 Nebelhorn Trophy following the short program – Vartmann picked into her right foot when she fell on a throw triple loop during the short and was unable to put on her skate the next day due to swelling. They withdrew from the 2012 Coupe de Nice and their first assigned Grand Prix event, the 2012 Cup of Russia, after Van Cleave sustained a broken cheekbone while catching Vartmann on a triple twist. They later withdrew from their second General Practice, the 2012 Nippon Hōsō Kyōkai Trophy.
Van Cleave and Vartmann split after Worlds.
(with Vartmann).
