Elite Golf Scholars Recognized
WGCA Honors Record-Setting All-American Golf Scholars for 2025-26, Highlighting Academic Excellence
Key Points
Kansas women's golf set a program-record seven WGCA All-American Scholar selections for 2025-26, topping the previous high of six and surpassing the marks from 2023-24 and 2024-25.
Duke's 2025-26 WGCA All-American Scholar cohort includes Smith earning a fourth consecutive selection—one of the Blue Devils to reach four—alongside Li with a third selection and McCrery in her first, with Duke having at least three selections in 11 straight years.
Michigan had four WGCA All-American Scholars in 2025-26—the program's most since 2017—raising Michigan's all-time total to 35, with Janess becoming a three-time honoree and freshmen Jaymie Ng and Reese Ng making immediate impact (Jaymie 73.90 scoring average and runner-up at the Canadian Collegiate Invitational; Reese 74.55 average and started all 12 tournaments).
Nebraska named four WGCA All-American Scholars, including Kono (physics major, Big Ten Distinguished Scholar) and Thiele (second WGCA honor; 73.94 stroke average; Big Ten Distinguished Scholar/Academic All-Big Ten) as well as freshmen Babineaux (six top-25 finishes; 73.15) and Tribolet (five top-25; 73.81; mechanical engineering major).
Virginia Tech named five WGCA All-American Scholars: Valentine Delon, Emerson Dever, Savannah Dupre, Emily Mathews and Xin Yao Wang.
The Women's Golf Coaches Association (WGCA) has announced its 2025-26 All-American Scholar Team, and programs across the country are setting new records. Kansas women's golf led the way with a program-best seven selections, breaking its previous high of six. Kansas Athletics reported the milestone tops totals from both 2023-24 and 2024-25.
To earn the honor, players must carry at least a 3.50 GPA and log enough competitive rounds to qualify. Schools from every major conference made the list, showing that academic excellence is widespread in college women's golf.
Kansas Sets Program Record With Seven Scholars
Kansas women's golf named seven WGCA All-American Scholars for 2025-26. That breaks the program's old record of six. The Jayhawks had hit six before in 2023-24 and 2024-25, but this year they pushed past that mark entirely. It signals a program that prioritizes the classroom as much as the course.
Kansas was not alone in posting big numbers. Bucknell also placed six golfers on the list, per Bucknell Athletics. North Dakota State earned six selections as well, giving the Bison six consecutive years with All-American Scholars, according to NDSU Athletics.
Duke and Michigan Post Standout Individual Milestones
Duke placed multiple players on the list and stretched an impressive streak. The Blue Devils have had at least three WGCA All-American Scholars for 11 straight years. Smith earned her fourth consecutive selection. Li earned her third. McCrery made the list for the first time.
Michigan named four scholars — its most since 2017 — raising the program's all-time total to 35. Janess became a three-time honoree. Freshmen Jaymie Ng and Reese Ng made an instant impact. Jaymie posted a 73.90 scoring average and finished runner-up at the Canadian Collegiate Invitational. Reese averaged 74.55 and started all 12 tournaments, per Michigan Athletics.
Nebraska Freshmen Shine Alongside Academic Upperclassmen
Nebraska named four WGCA All-American Scholars. Kono, a physics major, earned Big Ten Distinguished Scholar honors. Thiele picked up her second WGCA honor. She posted a 73.94 stroke average and earned both Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and Academic All-Big Ten recognition.
Two freshmen also made the list right away. Babineaux recorded six top-25 finishes and a 73.15 scoring average. Tribolet, a mechanical engineering major, had five top-25 finishes and averaged 73.81. Strong GPAs combined with strong play put both newcomers on the national radar immediately.
Virginia Tech, ECU, and Hartford Round Out Wide Field
Virginia Tech named five scholars: Valentine Delon, Emerson Dever, Savannah Dupre, Emily Mathews, and Xin Yao Wang. East Carolina placed five players on the list as well. ECU Athletics noted it marks the 22nd consecutive year the Pirates have had at least two selections — a streak that spans more than two decades.
Hartford added three scholars, per Hartford Hawks, with players hailing from Southington, Conn., Southbury, Conn., and Bellport, N.Y. The geographic spread of honorees — from New England to the Plains to the South — shows that high GPAs and competitive golf are no longer limited to a handful of elite programs.
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