Western Kentucky graduate student Sarah Arnold tied for 13th in the opening round of the Conference USA Women’s Golf Championship on Monday in Magnolia, Texas.

Four members of the Western Kentucky women’s golf team have been named to the WGCA All-American Scholar Team.

Lady Topper sophomores Sydney Hackett and Averi Cline were named to the team along with junior Catie Craig and graduate student Sarah Arnold.

The prestigious honor was given to 1,545 golfers across 423 programs. The honor celebrates academic excellence off the course while maintaining outstanding efforts on it. The All-American Scholar team requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50, making it one of the most reputable awards.

Craig earned the award following one of the most historic seasons in program history. The Georgia native earned the honor after turning in nine top-five victories during her junior campaign, while also coming away with two victories. Her season earned her a Conference USA All-Conference First Team nod while also being named a CUSA Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Craig boasts a 4.0 cumulative GPA while majoring in horticulture.

Cline was named to the team for the first time in her career following a solid year. Cline posted four top-15 finishes on the year while having a 74.8 stroke average on the year. The Suwanee, Georgia, native currently holds a 3.93 GPA while majoring in psychology.

Arnold earned the honor after a stellar final year at WKU. Arnold had three top-five finishes, including two runner-up finishes. The 2024 CUSA All-Conference First Team member had the second-best stroke average on the team, posting a 72.16 average. The Illinois native majored in recreation and sports administration and held a 3.90 GPA.

Hackett has earned her first All-Academic Scholar Award after a great sophomore season. Hackett had two top-10 finishes this season, including an eighth-place finish at the Pat Bradley Invitational. The Virginia native is also coming off of a season where she earned her second straight CUSA All-Academic Team nod. Hackett, who is majoring in business finance, currently has a 3.91 GPA.{&end}