IRVING, Texas — BYU women’s golfer Whitney Banz was awarded the 2026 Big 12 Co-Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award on Friday.
Along the way to this academic achievement, the Salt Lake native accumulated a 3.96 GPA as an exercise and wellness major. Banz shared this award with Oklahoma State’s Marta Silchenko after a vote from each head coach in the conference, who could not vote for their own players.
Banz is no stranger to her scholarly recognition during her time at BYU. In August 2025, the former Westminster Griffin received the Dr. Gerald Lage Award from the Big 12 Conference.
Banz competed in all 11 events this season for the Cougars. The junior secured two top-25 and one top-15 finishes this season, with her best being at the Dick McGuire Invitational. Banz put up a 76.84 scoring average in 31 rounds of play.