In Charlotte, N.C., the Atlantic Coast Conference has recognized some of its brightest stars with the announcement of the 2026 Weaver-James-Corrigan-Swofford Postgraduate Scholarship recipients. Among the honored are Carolina's own Gwen Fink from gymnastics and Trevor Paschall from men's cross country/track & field. Additionally, Keaton Vo from men's golf and Reese Brantmeier from women's tennis have been named to the 2026 ACC Excellence Award List.
The Weaver-James-Corrigan-Swofford postgraduate scholarship is a prestigious honor for student-athletes who plan to pursue graduate studies. Each recipient will receive $9,000 to support their educational journey, celebrating their achievements both in sports and academics.
Gwen Fink has been a powerhouse for Carolina gymnastics, especially shining on the beam. With a career-high score of 9.900 on bars, she ranks fourth all-time in program history.
Just recently, she hit a season-high of 9.950, helping Carolina clinch a victory at the Metroplex Challenge in Dallas. A two-time All-ACC Academic Team member, Fink is graduating this spring with aspirations of entering law school.
Trevor Paschall has excelled both on the track and in the classroom at Carolina. His impressive list of All-ACC Academic honors is a testament to his dedication.
After setting personal bests last outdoor season, he earned a spot on the CSC Academic All-District team. As a junior, Paschall was part of the indoor DMR relay team that achieved first-team all-conference honors.
With graduation on the horizon, he plans to attend optometry school next fall.
Reese Brantmeier has left an indelible mark on Carolina women's tennis. As the 2025 NCAA Division I Women's Singles National Champion and a multi-time All-America in singles and doubles, her accolades speak volumes.
She was named the 2025 ACC Player of the Year and earned the 2025 NCAA Elite 90 Award. With a national title under her belt from 2023, Brantmeier is set to turn professional after this spring.
Keaton Vo has been a standout in men's golf during his two seasons with the Tar Heels. Last season, he earned recognition as a PING/All-East Region selection and an All-America Scholar.
His scoring average of 71.86 was the second-best on the team, highlighted by a stellar performance at the 2024-25 Amer Ari Invitational. Vo is poised to begin his professional career following this season.
About the Awards
The Weaver-James-Corrigan-Swofford Award honors former ACC commissioners Jim Weaver, Bob James, Gene Corrigan, and John Swofford. Their leadership laid the foundation for the ACC's reputation in athletics and academics.
The ACC Excellence Award celebrates outstanding graduates from ACC institutions, recognizing those who exemplify the student-athlete ideal. These awards highlight the ACC's commitment to excellence in education and competition, honoring students who make significant contributions to their communities and beyond.