ORLANDO, Fla. - Graduate student Anna Zanusso was announced as a member of the 2024 class of ambassadors for the ANNIKA Development Program at Old Barnwell Club in Aiken, S.C., the ANNIKA Foundation announced on Friday.

"Being chosen as an ambassador for the ANNIKA Foundation Development Programat Old Barnwell is truly remarkable," Zanusso said. "Being selected is not only an honor, but also allows me to give back to the foundation for all the support and opportunities it has provided me with. I'm excited to share their passion for golf worldwide and can't wait to see what we achieve togethr as I start my professional career."

The program, which was announced in 2022, furthers the foundation's mission to provide opportunities for women to excel in both golf and living by providing an opportunity for a select group of up-and-coming golfers who have exhausted their NCAA eligibility to continue their pursuit of a professional golf career.

"We are excited to welcome this next group of ambassadors to our development program," said Annika Sörenstam, founder of the ANNIKA Foundation. "Not only do they have the talent needed to play against the best in the world but also the character and maturity to become exceptional leaders and role models for future generations."

Zanusso was a five-year starter for the Pioneers from 2019-2024. She is a four-time All-Summit League First Team member, two-time Summit League Golfer of the Year and three-time WGCA All-American Scholar. The Castelfranco Veneto, Italy native holds the Denver program record and tied for the NCAA record for lowest single round after shooting a 61 in the second round of the Westbrook Invitational in 2019. During her impressive collegiate career, Zanusso tied for ninth place at the 2021 NCAA Championship - the highest finisher ever for a Summit League Golfer at the NCAA Championship, and won the Summit League individual title in 2022. 

Through the program, each ambassador will have access to practice and play at Old Barnwell while also receiving training from its professional staff. They also will receive housing for the first year of the program and a $10,000 per year stipend to cover tournament fees and travel. Annika will act as a mentor to each of the women throughout their time in the development program.

As part of their residency, the program ambassadors will play and interact with club members and participate in an ANNIKA Foundation "Share My Passion" clinic for young girls.

Each year, four young women are selected to participate. These individuals must be a recent graduate of a four year college in the U.S. A selection committee vets applicants and then conducts finalists interviews. 

For more information about the ANNIKA Development Program, visit annikafoundation.org/annikadevelopmentprogram.

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