Chambana Sun

Five Illinois women's golfers have been recognized as Women's Golf Coaches Association (WGCA) All-American Scholars. The announcement was made by the organization today, highlighting the achievements of Illini alumna Lexanne Halama and juniors Yurang Li, Brielle Mapanao, Anna Ritter, and Victoria Zheng for the 2024-25 season.

Halama has received this honor for the fourth consecutive year. Li, Mapanao, and Ritter are being recognized for the second time, while Zheng is receiving this accolade for the first time in her career.

The University of Illinois has maintained a streak of having at least five student-athletes named All-American Scholars over five consecutive academic years.

For the 2024-25 academic year, a total of 1,499 women's collegiate golfers from 403 programs were honored as All-American Scholars. To qualify for this recognition, student-athletes must maintain an overall cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or higher. They must also be amateurs on their team's roster through the end of the season and participate in at least 50 percent of their college's scheduled competitive rounds during the nomination period through their conference championship.

The WGCA was founded in 1983 as a non-profit organization representing women's collegiate golf coaches. It aims to promote college golf for women while aligning with educational objectives and upholding intercollegiate competition traditions. Currently, it represents over 600 coaches across the United States and focuses on educating, promoting, and recognizing its members and their student-athletes.