Aug. 26, 2008

(San Francisco) - USF women's golf welcomes three talented student-athletes to the Green and Gold as Ashley Johnson (Bellflower, CA) has signed a National Letter of Intent (NLI), while Tinna Johannsdottir (Gardabaer, Iceland/McNeese State) and Diana Hong (Gold River, CA/Washington State) inked scholarship agreements for the 2008-09 season as announced today by head coach Ria Quiazon. All should contribute to the Dons, who have advanced to six NCAA Regional berths in the past eight seasons.

Quiazon, who completes her first recruiting class at USF, looks forward to working with the talented trio.

"I am very pleased to welcome Ashley, Tinna and Diana to the University of San Francisco," Quiazon said. "This class has an outstanding combination of experience and desire to compete at the highest level. I look forward to working with them as we pursue excellence on the course and in the classroom."

Ashley Johnson, 5-8, Freshman (Bellflower, CA/Mayfair High School)
A highly decorated prep and amateur player, Johnson captured the 2007 Lakewood Youth Hall of Fame Award for both Scholar Athlete of the Year and Performer of the Year in Golf. The 2007 Suburban League MVP, while competing for Mayfair High School, Johnson served as team captain for the Monsoons. An outstanding student, Johnson graduated in the top-10 in her class and was an all-league academic selection, finishing with a 4.4 GPA.

Johnson placed third in the Long Beach Women's Open and posted an eighth place showing in the AJGA CORE Realty Holdings Junior at Old Ranch Country Club at 228 (73, 80, 75). Named to the 2007 Mary Cave Cup, representing Southern California, Johnson placed third individually and first in team play

Johnson comes from a strong family golf background. Her father, Russ, runs the Johnson Junior Golf Tour (JJGT) all across Southern California and also played baseball at Cal State Fullerton. Her brother, Travis was an All-American golfer at UCLA and currently competes on the Nationwide Tour.

Quiazon on Johnson: "Though she is our only freshman, Ashley knows what it takes to be a true student-athlete. I look forward to Ashley's consistency and leadership in both athletics and academics."

Tinna Johannsdottir, 5-10 Sophomore (Gardabaer, Iceland/McNeese State)
A member of the Icelandic National Team, Johannsdottir competed at McNeese State during the 2006-07 season and posted a pair of top-10 finishes for the Cowgirls. In her lone season at McNeese State, Johannsdottir was the lone freshman named to All-Southland Conference Team. Johannsdottir competed in the 2007 Women's World Amateur Team Championship and the 2007 Spirit Cup.

Quiazon on Johansdottir: "Tinna's international and collegiate experience will be a great asset for our improving team. She is a veteran to high-level competition and she will instantly bring that leadership to our program."

Diana Hong, 5-5, Junior (Gold River, CA/Washington State)
After a highly decorated prep and amateur career, Hong spent two successful years competing at Washington State, before transferring to USF as a junior. In two years with the Cougars, Hong carded six rounds at par or better, highlighted by a six-under 66 in the second round of the 2007 UNLV Rebel Spring Invitational, while competing in 22 tournaments

Hong competed in 12 tournaments in her first year in the Palouse and enjoyed her greatest highlight with a 19th place finish for the Cougars in the 2007 NCAA West Regional. Hong's freshman scoring average of 77.4 was at the time the third best in school history.

A highly decorated prep player, Hong earned four varsity letters at Rio Americano High School and was a two-time All-Cal League selection. Hong was a three-time team MVP for the Raiders and was a section medalist. In addition, Hong won the Girl's Sacramento City Junior Championship.

An outstanding student, Hong finished her prep career with a 4.083 GPA and was twice selected to the NGCA All-Scholar Team while at Washington State.

Quiazon on Hong: "Diana is already an accomplished collegiate student-athlete. She won the Red Rocks Invitational as a freshman to go along with some great academic accomplishments. We believe in her talent and potential and are looking forward to her competing as a Don this year."