The United States Golf Association (USGA) has announced the 2025 U.S. National Junior Team roster and the first-ever U.S. Elite Amateur Program roster. For the second year in a row, Angela Zhang of Bellevue, Wash. has been named to the U.S. National Junior Team; while Max Herendeen, also of Bellevue, was selected for the U.S. Elite team.
Still just 15, Zhang has already twice been named the WA Golf Women’s Player of the Year. Herendeen is a sophomore on the University of Illinois men’s golf team, and was named the 2024 WA Golf Men’s Player of the Year.
Building on last year’s inaugural team of 18 athletes, the 2025 U.S. National Junior Team features 11 boys and 11 girls representing the country’s elite junior golf talent. The team is composed of 14 returners from 2024 and eight newcomers, including two, Jude Lee and Jessy Huebner, who received USNDP Grants last year.
Consisting of three men and six women, including 2024 U.S. National Junior Team member Gianna Clemente, the inaugural U.S. Elite Amateur Program roster is another significant milestone for the USNDP. This program will complement the athletes’ college programs, providing tailored support that bridges gaps and enhances their competitive edge. It is the second of three teams to be launched as part of the USNDP with the third and final team, the Young Professional Team, set for 2026.
“We’ve seen exceptional growth over the past year in the young athletes on the U.S. National Junior Team, and with the launch of the U.S. Elite Amateur Program, it represents another significant step in our mission to nurture top talent, provide individualized support and prepare them for success on the world stage,” said Chris Zambri, head coach of the USNDP. “We are excited to build on this momentum in 2025 and continue growing and shaping the future of American golf.”
The U.S. National Junior Team and Elite Amateur Program rosters are compiled and reevaluated annually by a selection committee of USNDP staff members, and eligibility criteria include nationality, age, amateur status, conduct, education and graduation year and participation on other national teams.
In February, members of the U.S. National Junior Team will convene at Desert Mountain in Scottsdale, Ariz., for the first of two camps in 2025. And starting earlier this month with Will Hartman, Ryleigh Knaub, Scarlett Schremmer and Michael Riebe competing in the South American Amateur at Sport Frances Club de Golf in Chile, members of both rosters will compete internationally under the U.S. flag in several events this year. Members of each team will receive year-round support, including world-class coaching ana analysis, sports psychology, nutritional guidance and necessary to develop the physical, mental and life skills to reach their potential. In addition, the National Junior Team will compete against Golf Canada in an international friendly match April 11-13 at Champions Golf Club in Houston, Texas. Last year, the National Junior Team defeated Australia in a similar match at SentryWorld, in Stevens Point, Wis.
Announced in 2023, the USNDP is designed to ensure that American golf is the global leader in the game by focusing on six key pillars: talent identification, access to competition, national teams, athlete resources, player development and relations and athlete financial support. In October of 2024, the USGA expanded its State Junior Team Program to support the pipeline for elite junior golfers ages 13-18 into the USNDP with nine new teams to be established this year, advancing the USGA’s goal of all 50 states having a team by 2033.
For more information on the U.S. National Junior Team players, please click here.
For more information on the U.S. Elite Amateur Program players, please click here.
