Dec. 3, 2008

(San Francisco) - USF women's golf announces the signings of Emily Chiu (Pleasanton, CA) and Katrina Hegge (Seattle) to National Letters of Intent (NLI) for the 2008-09 season as announced by head coach Ria Quiazon. Both own exceptional prep and amateur resumes and figure to make a tremendous impact on the program.

"I feel very fortunate to welcome a pair of golfers with outstanding talent and competitiveness to USF," Quiazon said. "Emily and Katrina both add proven experience and exceptional depth to our roster. Their quest for excellence on and off the course will be exciting to watch because they are the future of this program."

Emily Chiu, Freshman - Pleasanton, CA/Amador Valley HS
A four-time all-league selection at Amador Valley High School, Chiu captured East Bay League MVP and team MVP honors as a senior, pacing the squad with a stroke average of 0.83 over par. Prep highlights included breaking the league 9-hole scoring record twice, firing a 33 at Ruby Hill Country Club and a 32 at Crow Canyon Country Club.

A talented amateur, Chiu tied for first place at the NCGA Sacramento Championship and tied for third and the NCGA Monterey Championship.

QUIAZON ON CHIU: "Emily is a very steady, consistent golfer. She has developed so much in her recent years of competitive golf. I look forward to working with her to continue her development as a factor in this program."

Katrina Hegge, Freshman - Seattle, WA/Seattle Prep
Hegge totes a remarkable set of prep and amateur credentials to the Hilltop and should make an immediate impact for USF women's golf. The 2006 Washington State 3A High School Champion representing Seattle Prep, Hegge shot a 141 (66, 75) in the event. A three-time WIAA Metro League Champion (2005-07), Hegge also served as team captain throughout her prep career and was a four-time Most Inspirational selection.

Hegge owns a dazzling amateur resume and is the first player in state history to capture back-to-back Washington Junior Golf Association Player of the Year accolades, accomplishing the feat in 2007 and 2008. Hegge won the 2007 title with a one-over 225 (74, 72, 78). The Washingtonian was a two-time medalist at the Dropping Classic in Boise, winning the 2007 event by 13 strokes finishing with a 7-under 212 and took the title in 2008 at 218. Hegge also won the 2008 WJGA World Qualifier, shooting a 140 (68, 72) at Tumwater Golf Course.

QUIAZON ON HEGGE: "Katrina is a dynamic player with the ability to go very low. She owns many years of high level tournament experience and has excelled as a prep and amateur. I am excited she chose USF as the place to take her game to the next level."