News Summary
Vanderbilt women’s golf sophomore Ava Merrill has been named to the WGCA All-American Honorable Mention Team, marking her as a standout athlete in the sport. Her commendable performance at the NCAA National Championship, where she tied for 14th place, showcases her talent, making her the first Vanderbilt golfer to earn All-America recognition since 2023. Merrill’s consistent play throughout the season included 17 rounds at or below par and six top-20 finishes, emphasizing her skill and potential. The program also looks forward to the addition of top recruits for future success.
Nashville, TN – Vanderbilt women’s golf sophomore Ava Merrill has earned All-American honors from the Women’s Golf Coaches Association (WGCA), being named to the Honorable Mention Team on Tuesday. This recognition makes her the 15th Commodore to achieve All-America status from the organization, highlighting her impressive performance throughout the season.
The announcement of Merrill’s accolade comes after her strong showing at the NCAA National Championship, where she tied for 14th place. This result represents the best individual finish by a Vanderbilt golfer in over a decade, since Marina Alex also tied for 14th in 2012. Throughout the season, Merrill played 31 rounds and averaged 72.09 strokes, leading her team while consistently posting impressive numbers.
Merrill’s season has been marked by remarkable consistency, with 17 rounds at or below par and six individual finishes within the top 20. These statistics not only underscore her skill on the course but also contribute to her selection as an All-American, reflecting her ability to compete at a high level among the nation’s best golfers.
A total of fifty student-athletes were recognized in the prestigious All-America teams, with Merrill’s selection being particularly significant as she becomes the first Vanderbilt All-America honoree since Celina Sattelkau received the honor in 2023. This milestone is not just an individual achievement; it reinforces Vanderbilt golf’s commitment to developing elite talent.
Recent Tournament Highlights
Merrill’s recognition follows a successful start to the season for Vanderbilt women’s golf at the Puerto Rico Classic, where the team took a one-stroke lead after the first round. The Commodores recorded a team total of 5-under, solidifying their skills and strategies as they competed against other top programs.
In the Puerto Rico Classic, teammate Sara Im tied for second place with a score of 4-under-par 68, while Ava Merrill secured her position with a 3-under-par 69, tying for fourth place individually. Another teammate, Lynn Lim, contributed with a round of 1-under 71, tying for 13th place. Head coach Greg Allen has acknowledged the challenges posed by adverse weather and illness leading up to the tournament, making the team’s success even more impressive.
Looking Ahead
The Vanderbilt women’s golf program is also anticipating future success, having signed a pair of top 20 recruits for the class of 2025. Elizabeth Rudisill, the No. 1 prospect, and Kathryn Ha, ranked No. 17, are both impressive young talents who have accumulated significant accomplishments in their junior careers.
Rudisill is a three-time AJGA Rolex All-American, winner of the Rolex Girls Junior Championship, and represented Team USA in the Junior Solheim Cup. She made headlines as the only amateur to make the cut at the FM Championship on the LPGA circuit. Meanwhile, Ha holds the title of the reigning Virginia Junior Girls Champion and is also a 2023 Rolex Junior All-American, further demonstrating her elite status in the sport.
Head coach Greg Allen expressed enthusiasm about the potential impact these new recruits could have on the Vanderbilt women’s golf program, ensuring a brighter future as the team strives for continued excellence and further accolades.
As Vanderbilt women’s golf moves forward, the accomplishments of Ava Merrill and the promising recruits underline the program’s strong foundation and aspirations for success at the national level.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Vanderbilt Men’s Golf Team Finishes Tied for 13th at NCAA Championships
Switzerland Dominates U.S. Men’s National Team in Friendly Loss
Gordon Sargent Makes PGA TOUR Debut at RBC Canadian Open
Gordon Sargent Makes PGA Tour Debut
Vanderbilt Men’s Golf Team Tied for 15th at NCAA Championships
Vanderbilt University Makes History with Early NCAA Exit
Vanderbilt University Faces Major Financial Changes
Vanderbilt Women’s Golf Competes at Charles Schwab Collegiate
Nashville Announces Open Call for Homes of Distinction
Nashville Welcomes New Influencers to Vanderbilt’s NIL Collective
Additional Resources
- Vanderbilt Commodores: Merrill Tabbed All-American
- Wikipedia: Ava Merrill
- Vanderbilt Commodores: Hot Start in Puerto Rico
- Google Search: Vanderbilt women’s golf
- Vanderbilt Commodores: Women’s Golf Signs Stellar Duo
- Google Scholar: Women’s golf college recruiting
- Vanderbilt Commodores: Dores Third Through 18 at Pebble Beach
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Women’s Golf
- Vanderbilt Commodores: Hall of Fame Class Announced
- Google News: WGA All-American women’s golf
Author: HERE Nashville
The NASHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENashville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Nashville, Davidson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as CMA Fest, Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, and Nashville Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and Nashville Health Care Council, plus leading businesses in healthcare, automotive, and technology that power the local economy such as HCA Healthcare, Bridgestone Americas, and Asurion. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HEREMemphis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
