Central’s Paulson on academic all-America squad

Central College

PELLA— Central College’s Sarah Paulson (Ottumwa) has been named to the Capital One Academic All-America women’s at-large team as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

Paulson is a second-team honoree. She becomes the 49th Central student-athlete to receive Academic All-America distinction and the first women’s golfer.

A Spanish major, Paulson graduated with a 3.71 cumulative grade point average. She capped an impressive golf career finishing tied for second at the NCAA Division III championships in May. Paulson also received all-America honors in 2009 when she finished tied for sixth at the national meet.

Paulson was a three-time Iowa Conference MVP and tournament medalist – she missed the 2010 season studying abroad – and led the Dutch to three second-place league finishes. Paulson holds three school records, sharing the 18-hole scoring record (71) and setting the mark for 36 holes (72-73—145) and 72 holes (72-73-73-82—300).

A team co-captain, Paulson received league player of the week recognition 11 times. She was also a three-year letterwinner in women’s basketball and was a second-team all-league pick as a senior. Paulson was also a basketball co-captain and was given the team’s MVP award.

The at-large team recognizes student-athletes competing in golf, tennis, swimming, gymnastics, ice hockey, field hockey, crew, skiing and water polo.