Adela Cernousek has etched her name into Texas A&M history, becoming the university’s first Black woman golfer—a milestone that extends far beyond the fairways and scorecards.
Cernousek’s breakthrough represents a powerful moment of representation in a sport where diversity has long lagged. Her presence and success at Texas A&M signal progress, opening doors for young girls who may not have seen themselves reflected on the golf course before. For many, her achievement reinforces a simple but profound message: they belong.
That historic significance was matched by extraordinary performance on the national stage.
In May 2024, Cernousek captured the NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Championship, becoming the first individual medalist in Texas A&M program history. Competing at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California, the Aggie junior finished with a 72-hole total of 12-under-par 276, winning the title by three strokes over Florida State’s Lottie Woad.
Her performance—rounds of 68, 68, 68, and 72—came within four strokes of the all-time NCAA championship scoring record. Remarkably, the national title also marked the first collegiate tournament victory of Cernousek’s career.
“It’s hard to believe, it’s crazy,” said Cernousek, a native of Antibes, France. “All the support I have back home, my teammates and my coaches, and the work I put in every day have allowed me to get to this point.”
Texas A&M head coach Gerrod Chadwell praised both her character and composure, noting that her recent qualification for the U.S. Women’s Open helped solidify her confidence on college golf’s biggest stage.
“She puts the team first,” Chadwell said. “Her humbleness, her work ethic—it’s incredible to think her first win is on this stage.”
Beyond individual success, Cernousek helped Texas A&M secure a spot among the top teams advancing to NCAA match play, reinforcing the Aggies’ growing prominence in women’s golf.
As both a champion and a trailblazer, Adela Cernousek’s legacy is already taking shape—one defined not only by trophies, but by the barriers she has broken and the future she has helped reshape for the sport.
