Ball State University Athletics
Photo by: Bobby Ellis/Ball State University
Cardinal Golfers Rank Among Country's Top Programs Academically
August 06, 2026 | Men's Golf
MUNCIE, Ind. -- The Ball State men's golf team is one of just 85 teams nationally to earn President's Special Recognition by the Golf Coaches Association of America, by earning a team GPA of 3.5 or better during the 2025-26 academic calendar. Four Cardinals were recognized individually as Cobalt Golf All-America Scholars by the GCAA, marking the third consecutive season Ball State has posted four or more golfers with that distinction.
Last year, Ball State was one of just 30 programs to have at least five student-athletes named as Cobalt Golf All-America Scholars.
To be eligible for Cobalt Golf All-America Scholar nomination, an individual must participate in 50 of their team's competitive rounds, have a stroke average under 76.0 in NCAA Division I, and maintain a minimum cumulative career grade-point average of 3.2. Student-athletes must be at least a sophomore to qualify.
The 2025-26 Cardinals were paced by graduated senior Carter Smith who was a three-time Golf All-America Scholar. Other Ball State recipients last year were Gavin Hare, Avery Mahoney and Cameron Young, with Mahoney and Young both returning to the Ball State lineup this fall. Mahoney is a two-time honoree.
Last year, Ball State was one of just 30 programs to have at least five student-athletes named as Cobalt Golf All-America Scholars.
To be eligible for Cobalt Golf All-America Scholar nomination, an individual must participate in 50 of their team's competitive rounds, have a stroke average under 76.0 in NCAA Division I, and maintain a minimum cumulative career grade-point average of 3.2. Student-athletes must be at least a sophomore to qualify.
The 2025-26 Cardinals were paced by graduated senior Carter Smith who was a three-time Golf All-America Scholar. Other Ball State recipients last year were Gavin Hare, Avery Mahoney and Cameron Young, with Mahoney and Young both returning to the Ball State lineup this fall. Mahoney is a two-time honoree.
Players Mentioned
Monday, July 20
Tuesday, March 17
Monday, December 15
Saturday, December 13