SAN FRANCISCO – Starting to build for the future of the Academy of Art Men's Golf program, Head Coach Joe Dolby has announced the signing of Mario Stump (Benicia, Calif./De La Salle High School) to be the first incoming recruit of the 2024-25 class.

"I'm so excited to have Mario as the first member of my 2024 recruiting class," Dolby said. "His experience in high school at De La Salle, the two-time defending California state champions, where he's been surrounded by teammates who are moving on to play college golf as well, will allow him to come in and contribute right away. He has a great attitude and drive for excellence, and he loves challenging himself, all of which make him a great fit for the team culture we are building here. I can't wait to see what the future holds for us!"

A competitor in the 2023 National High School Golf Invitational for De La Salle where he contributed rounds as low as 70, Stump goes into his last high school season as a defending California State High School Golf Champion. The Benicia, Calif. native previously won the JTNC Spring Series IV while finishing tied for seventh at the 2023 JTNC Tour Championship. Stump has nine top-10 finishes on the Junior Tour of Northern California while having a low tournament score of 68, which he's recorded on five occasions. With a plethora of accolades, Stump recently added the 2023 Most Improved Player award for the Spartans' varsity squad to his resume.

As he continues to pursue his dream of becoming a professional golfer, Stump will begin in the Academy of Art School of Architecture as a freshman this coming Fall.