The Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA) announced the 2025-26 Scholar-Athlete Awards on Friday morning. Lakehawk Golf’s Tripp Watkins was named the Men’s Golf Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
“I am so pleased that Tripp was recognized by the FCSAA to be the recipient of this award. He put in the time and effort to grow as an individual, as a golfer, and as a leader on our team,” said head coach Meredith Yaun.
After a successful freshman season, Watkins returned as a strong leader to a team of sophomores. He achieved his first individual win in a one round match against Eastern Florida State College in October.
He carded a two-under score on the front nine following with a +1 on the back nine to post a career-best 71 (-1). His leadership on the course also helped the Lakehawks to the program’s first win.
Watkins’ individual win came with regional recognition. He was named the FCSAA October Golfer of the Month, another first for the program.
Watkins’ next standout performance came at the 2026 Lakehawk Invitational where he tied for first in individual standing with a +3 two-round score. He narrowly missed the individual champion title after a sudden death playoff which stretched three extra holes.
The FCSAA named Watkins the March Golfer of the Month after his performance at the Lakehawk Invite and a third place finish at the Pioneer Invitational in Gaffney, S.C.
Executive Director of Athletics Jay Miller says, “Tripp played a pivotal role in establishing our men’s golf program the last two years. He helped set the standard for future Lakehawk golfers.”
“He is a fierce competitor whose commitment to excellence has elevated everyone around him. Earning FCSAA Golfer of the Year is a well-deserved honor and further solidifies the legacy he leaves both on and off the course.”
Watkins’ Lakehawk career came to an end in Oxford, Ala. at the 2026 NJCAA South District Championship. He took fifth overall in the tournament with a +12 after three rounds of competition.
In addition to regional recognition and induvial success, Watkins was voted the 2025-26 Lakehawk Athletics Male Player of the Year, an award dedicated to honoring the most talented student-athlete in the department.
“We are incredibly proud of Tripp Watkins and all he has accomplished on the course and in the classroom,” said John Temple, President of Lake-Sumter State College. “As one of the first student-athletes to take a chance on joining our College’s new men’s golf program, Tripp has helped lay a strong foundation for future Lakehawk success. We look forward to the bright future ahead for Tripp.” Watkins has etched his name into the Lakehawk Golf history books as a player, but he also brought value to the program as a person and a student.
This year, Watkins volunteered at the Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) Athletics Golf Classic and the LSSC Foundation Gala, as well as at home baseball and softball games assisting in the concession stand.
Watkins finished the 2026 championship season ranked no. 25 nationally. He will continue his education and collegiate golf career at New College of Florida in Sarasota, Fla.
As the men’s golf honoree, Watkins moves forward as a candidate for the FCSAA Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award. The finalists will be announced on Tuesday, June 30 followed by the winner on Thursday, July 2.