WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – Eight West Liberty University student-athletes have been named to the 2025-26 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District® At-Large Teams, recognizing their outstanding achievements both in competition and in the classroom.

Representing the Hilltoppers on the men's team were golfers Justin Doerr and Brandon Lawhon, along with wrestler Parker Bentley. On the women's side, golfer Reese Ward joined wrestlers Nila Bland, Trinity Howard, Grace O'Korn, and Cassia Zammit as Academic All-District selections.

The CSC Academic All-District® program honors student-athletes who have demonstrated excellence both academically and athletically. Nominees must meet high standards in the classroom while also contributing significantly to their respective programs.

About the Honorees

Justin Doerr, a junior golfer from Wheeling, W.Va., and a graduate of Wheeling Central Catholic High School, earned Academic All-District recognition for the second consecutive year after also receiving the honor in 2024-25. An Accounting major, Doerr maintains a perfect 4.00 cumulative GPA.

Brandon Lawhon, a senior golfer from St. Mary's, W.Va., and a graduate of St. Mary's High School, carries a 3.52 cumulative GPA while majoring in Human Biology. 

Parker Bentley, a redshirt junior wrestler from Inwood, W.Va., and a graduate of Musselman High School, owns a 3.92 cumulative GPA while pursuing his Master of Business Administration degree. 

Reese Ward, a sophomore golfer from Moundsville, W.Va., and a graduate of John Marshall High School, maintains a 3.94 cumulative GPA as a Nursing major. 

Nila Bland, a sophomore wrestler from Washington, Pa., and a graduate of Trinity High School, boasts a perfect 4.00 cumulative GPA while majoring in Psychology. 

Trinity Howard, a senior wrestler from Queen Creek, Ariz., and a graduate of Hamilton High School, carries a 3.78 cumulative GPA as a Media Communication major. 

Grace O'Korn, a sophomore wrestler from McMurray, Pa., and a graduate of Peters Township High School, owns a 3.95 cumulative GPA while majoring in Exercise Physiology. 

A standout both academically and athletically, Cassia Zammit has enjoyed one of the most accomplished seasons in West Liberty women's wrestling history. The Dental Hygiene major maintains a 3.67 cumulative GPA and recently became the first All-American in program history at the inaugural NCAA Women's Wrestling National Championships.

Competing unseeded at 131 pounds, Zammit put together one of the tournament's most impressive runs, advancing to the national semifinals and ultimately placing fourth in the nation. Along the way, she earned victories over Mackenzie Childers of Wartburg, Janida Garcia of Emmanuel, Madeline Barton of Quincy, Makayla Paclib of Pitt-Johnstown, and Abigail Mozden of Mount Union. Her historic finish came during just the second season of the West Liberty women's wrestling program and during the first year women's wrestling was contested as an official NCAA championship sport.

In addition to earning Academic All-District honors, Zammit was selected as a CSC Academic All-America® finalist and will advance to the national ballot. Academic All-America® teams will be announced in July. 

West Liberty's eight selections highlight the continued commitment of Hilltopper student-athletes to excellence in all aspects of the collegiate experience. Their accomplishments reflect the dedication, discipline, and hard work required to succeed at the highest levels academically and athletically.

The College Sports Communicators Academic All-America® program is one of the nation's most prestigious academic honors for collegiate student-athletes, recognizing individuals who have distinguished themselves through exceptional performance in competition and in the classroom.
 



West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.