The Path
to Pro

A senior transfer who turned one final college season into the best of his life, and a launching pad to the next one.

James Rico came to UNC Wilmington as a senior transfer from Loyola University Maryland, looking for one more shot to prove what he already believed about his own game. He got more than a shot. He got the best season of his college career, at exactly the moment it mattered most.

2026: The Breakout Season

Rico was named the Coastal Athletic Association's Golfer of the Year for 2026, earned a spot on the All-CAA First Team, and was voted the CAA Tournament's Most Outstanding Player. He is only the eighth golfer in UNCW program history to win Player of the Year honors.

Across the season he posted four top-10 finishes, including two top-three results after March 30, right as the stakes rose heading into the postseason.

Carrying the Team

At the CAA Championship at Dataw Island Club, Rico didn't just win his own title, he led UNCW to its ninth conference championship as a team, a record-breaking performance that pushed the Seahawks into their first NCAA Regional appearance since 2023.

What's Next

With his college eligibility spent and a resume that includes a conference scoring record, a CAA individual title, and an NCAA Regional appearance, Rico is turning his attention to professional golf. Full record and current world amateur ranking are on the Record page.