Carson Bellish, Kellen Dean, and A.J. Wilhelm have been named to the 2026 Academic All-District庐 Men's At-Large Team, recognizing their exceptional achievements in both academics and athletics. The trio's performance contributed significantly to the Musketeers securing their ninth BIG EAST Championship, marking their first title since 2005. Xavier also made its sixth NCAA postseason appearance, a milestone not reached since 2006. Bellish has earned this honor for the third consecutive year, while Dean and Wilhelm received it for the first and second time, respectively, showcasing their skill on the golf course.

By the Numbers
  • Bellish finished his career with a scoring average of 73.00 and 13 top-10 finishes.
  • Dean recorded a 72.80 stroke average last season with two top-10 finishes.
  • Wilhelm had a team-ranking stroke average of 72.3 and also achieved two top-10 finishes.
Yes, But

While the recognition of these golfers is commendable, it raises discussions about the overall support and resources provided to student-athletes in collegiate golf programs, especially in light of the program's historical challenges.

State of Play
  • Xavier's men's golf team is experiencing a resurgence with recent championships and NCAA appearances.
  • The team continues to build on its success with standout performances from a mix of experienced and emerging players.
What's Next

Looking forward, Xavier's golf team is poised for additional growth, aiming for further NCAA successes and cultivating the next generation of talent as they recruit new athletes.

Bottom Line

The recognition of Bellish, Dean, and Wilhelm underscores not just individual achievements, but also signals a bright future for Xavier鈥檚 golf program as it continues to gain momentum and showcases the importance of balancing academics and athletics.