Bernat Named First Team All-America by Golfweek: A Triumph for Kansas State University Athletics

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State’s senior golfer, Carla Bernat, has earned First Team All-American honors again, this time from Golfweek. This recognition comes shortly after she received the same accolade from the Women’s Golf Coaches Association (WGCA).

Bernat, hailing from Castellon, Spain, has made waves in the collegiate golf scene. She is one of only two golfers from the Big 12 to be named among the top teams, with Arizona State’s Patience Rhodes joining her on the third team. Notably, four more earned honorable mentions: Lauren Clark (Kansas), Beth Coulter (Arizona State), Grace Kilcrease (Oklahoma State), and Paula Schulz-Hanssen (Arizona State).

This season, Bernat set a record for Kansas State with a remarkable average score of 70.08. She consistently placed in the top five in eight out of 13 events, never finishing lower than 20th. Impressively, she maintained even or under par in all her competitions.

Her season highlights include three wins, starting with the Powercat Invitational in September, followed by a victory at the MountainView Collegiate in March. Most notably, she made history as the first Wildcat to snag an individual title at an NCAA Regional, where she matched the school’s record with a stunning score of 12-under par 204.

Bernat’s accolades don’t stop there. She was honored as the 2024-25 Big 12 Women’s Golfer of the Year and holds the school’s career records for scoring average (70.44). She ranks second in wins (5), top-five finishes (14), and top-10 finishes (16).

Earlier this year, she showcased her talent at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, further solidifying her status in the sport. Now, she is set to compete in the Palmer Cup at Congaree Golf Club in South Carolina from Thursday to Saturday.

This achievement reflects a growing trend in women’s golf, as more athletes gain recognition and set records. In recent years, participation in women’s collegiate golf has risen, with a 25% increase reported by the NCAA over the last decade. Athletes like Bernat not only inspire others but also contribute to this exciting upward movement in the sport.

For more information on women’s golf and collegiate statistics, check out the NCAA’s official website.