News Summary
Three standout student-athletes from Vanderbilt University’s men’s golf team have received recognition from the College Sports Communicators for their exceptional academic and athletic performance. Gordon Sargent, Jackson Van Paris, and Wells Williams have been named to the CSC Academic All-District men’s at-large team, showcasing their dedication to both their sport and studies. This honor allows them to advance to the CSC Academic All-America consideration, highlighting Vanderbilt’s commitment to excellence in athletics and education.
Nashville, TN
Three student-athletes from the Vanderbilt University men’s golf team have been recognized for their academic and athletic achievements by the College Sports Communicators (CSC). Gordon Sargent, Jackson Van Paris, and Wells Williams have been selected as members of the CSC Academic All-District men’s at-large team, highlighting their excellence in both golf and academics.
This announcement marks the second consecutive selection for Jackson Van Paris, while it is the first recognition for both Gordon Sargent and Wells Williams. As part of this honor, all three golfers will advance to the ballot for the CSC Academic All-America honors, which will be announced on July 9.
To qualify for the CSC Academic All-District team, student-athletes must meet certain criteria. They need to be at least sophomores, maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 on a 4.0 scale, and either compete in at least 70% of team scoring events or participate in a conference championship lineup.
Achievements and Records
The recognition showcases the students’ considerable achievements in both their sport and their academic pursuits. Gordon Sargent has made history as the first Vanderbilt men’s golfer to win an individual national championship, claiming medalist honors at the 2022 NCAA Men’s Golf Championships. During the 2022-23 season, Sargent also won the prestigious Mark H. McCormack Medal and was named Golfweek’s National Collegiate Player of the Year.
Over the course of his four seasons at Vanderbilt, Sargent was a six-time All-American, achieving first-team honors three times from both the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) and Golfweek. He was also named the 2022-23 SEC Golfer of the Year and has set a record for Vanderbilt by winning six tournaments during his collegiate career.
Sargent has significantly contributed to the Commodores’ success; during his time with the team, they achieved a total of 19 team titles, and he holds the program’s all-time scoring average of 70.32. His career-low score of 54 holes, recorded at 17-under 196, is among the lowest in the program’s history. He graduated in May 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in economics.
Van Paris and Williams’ Contributions
Jackson Van Paris graduated in May with a degree in Human and Organizational Development and led his team with an impressive 70.03 stroke average for the 2024-25 season. He notably won the 2025 NCAA Amherst Regional with a personal best score of 8-under 202 and finished fifth in the PGA TOUR University rankings.
Wells Williams has also made his mark, becoming the sixth Vanderbilt Commodore to win multiple tournaments in a single season with victories at the 2025 Southwest Invitational and the 2025 Mason Rudolph Championship. Throughout the season, Williams maintained a scoring average of 70.65 over 37 rounds and boasted a remarkable 15-under vs. par—tying for the fifth-lowest overall in program history. His season-low score of 8-under 63 at the Mason Rudolph Championship is tied for the fifth-lowest single round in Vanderbilt history.
Background Context
The CSC Academic All-District awards recognize student-athletes across various NCAA Division I sports, including ice hockey, lacrosse, water polo, fencing, rifle, skiing, golf, gymnastics, volleyball, and wrestling. This program aims to celebrate those who excel both on the field and in the classroom, highlighting the importance of academic achievement in conjunction with sports participation.
The accomplishments of Sargent, Van Paris, and Williams not only reflect their personal dedication and skill but also underscore Vanderbilt University’s commitment to fostering excellence in athletics and academics. Their selections to the Academic All-District team are a testament to their hard work, discipline, and commitment to their chosen field of study.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Ava Merrill Receives All-American Honors for Vanderbilt Golf
Additional Resources
- Vanderbilt Commodores: Men’s Golf Trio Named CSC Academic All-District
- Wikipedia: Collegiate Athletics
- Vanderbilt Commodores: Hall of Fame Class of 2024 – Luke List
- Google Search: Men’s Golf Scholarship
- Vanderbilt Commodores: Athletic APR Excellence
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Vanderbilt Commodores: Hall of Fame Class of 2024 – Pat Toomay
- Google News: Vanderbilt University Athletics
- Vanderbilt Commodores: Hall of Fame Class of 2024 – Leslie Vidmar Rubino
- Vanderbilt Commodores: Hall of Fame Class of 2024 – John Ed Miller
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