January 8, 2026 – The Team North Carolina and Team South Carolina Committees have announced the boys and girls selected to represent their respective states as part of the 2026 U.S. National Development Program (USNDP) State Junior Team initiative. 

The USNDP State Junior Team rosters are selected annually based on competitive performance, demonstrated potential, and overall development throughout the 2025 season. Committee members include representatives from state and regional golf associations, junior golf leadership, and player development professionals. 

“This program is about much more than results on a leaderboard,” said Andy Priest, Executive Director of the Carolinas Golf Association. “The USNDP offers a clear, development-focused pathway for young players in the Carolinas to grow as competitors and as people, while also inspiring continued growth of the game.”

Team North Carolina and Team South Carolina are among 30 states currently participating in the USNDP State Junior Team Program, which is designed to expand, strengthen, and diversify the American junior golf pipeline. In October 2025, the USGA announced the addition of 14 new states, with a long-term goal of expanding the program to all 50 states by 2033. 

Athletes selected to a State Junior Team receive access to a comprehensive development platform, including a minimum of two days of in-person athlete development each year, educational webinars led by the USNDP coaching and athlete development staff, consideration for USNDP-sponsored tournament exemptions, and a streamlined grant application process for families demonstrating financial need. 

Announced in 2023, the U.S. National Development Program is built around six key pillars: talent identification, access to competition, national teams, athlete resources, player development and relations, and financial support. The State Junior Team Program specifically focuses on creating a developmentally appropriate and aspirational pathway for athletes within each state to progress to higher levels of competition. 

The USNDP is supported through philanthropic giving and secured resources, reinforcing the USGA’s commitment to providing equitable pathways to elite levels of the game regardless of financial circumstances. 

To be eligible for selection, athletes must be U.S. citizens, not enrolled in college, be at least 13 years old by January 1, and not reach their 19th birthday by July 19 of the year in which they compete on a State Junior Team. Players must also play in at least 3 ranked Multi-Day eligible events. 

2026 Team South Carolina Roster 

Boys 

Sage Bradshaw – 2026, Bluffton, SC 

Erik Erlenkeuser – 2026, Anderson, S.C. 

Davis Petty – 2029, Spartanburg, S.C. 

Will Ruth – 2026, Moore, S.C. 

Bennett Scaletta – 2027, Belton, S.C. 

Banks Steele – 2026, Lancaster, S.C. 

Dawson Szabo – 2027, Greer, S.C. 

Connor Wolfe – 2029, Blythewood, S.C. 

Girls 

Ella Kate Barnett – 2026, Galivants Ferry, S.C. 

Mia Carles – 2027, Clinton, S.C. 

Serra Erlenkeuser – 2027, Anderson, S.C. 

Arley Jennings – 2030, Spartanburg, S.C. 

Lexi Palazzo – 2028, Hilton Head Island, S.C. 

A.C. Peake – 2028, Pauline, S.C. 

Ava Romansky – 2026, Spartanburg, S.C. 

Marissa Scaletta – 2026, Belton, S.C. 

2026 Team North Carolina Roster 

Boys  

Caedmon Albertyn – 2026, Monroe, N.C. 

Grayson Baucom – 2028, Hickory, N.C. 

Stephen Eastman – 2027, Raleigh,  N.C. 

Preston Hage – 2026, Raleigh, N.C. 

Henry Holland – 2026, Charlotte, N.C. 

Charlie Horne – 2026, Fayetteville, N.C. 

Ian McGee – 2027, Durham, N.C. 

Slater Meade – 2027, North Wilkesboro, N.C. 

Warren Stiglitz – 2027, Denver, N.C. 

Griffin Williams – 2027, Greensboro, N.C. 

Davis Wotnosky – 2027, Wake Forest, N.C. 

Noah Yeary – 2026, Greensboro, N.C. 

Girls 

Lauren Davis – 2030, Cary, N.C. 

Victoria Davis – 2028, Cary, N.C. 

Riley Grimm – 2028, Pinehurst, N.C. 

Elizabeth Guthrie – 2028, Charlotte, N.C. 

Ella June Hannant – 2027, Pikeville, N.C. 

Ira Joshi – 2029, Pinehurst, N.C. 

Jenna Kim – 2027, Raleigh, N.C. 

Miraya Lurie – 2027, Raleigh, N.C. 

Mallory Pitts – 2028, Greensboro, N.C. 

Ella Spence – 2029, Waxhaw, N.C. 

Gracie Song – 2026, Waxhaw, N.C. 

Juno Taino – 2029, Pinehurst, N.C. 

About the Carolinas Golf Association 

Founded in 1909, the Carolinas Golf Association (CGA) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that serves as the governing body for amateur golf in North and South Carolina and the official Allied Golf Association of the United States Golf Association. Headquartered at the Carolinas Golf House at Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club in Southern Pines, North Carolina, the CGA represents more than 238,000 members at over 700 clubs. 

The CGA conducts more than 350 championships, qualifiers, and USGA events annually while supporting player development, course rating and handicap services, and initiatives that expand access to the game. Guided by its core pillars of community, growth, and access, the Association is committed to advancing the game of golf throughout the Carolinas. 

For more information, visit carolinasgolf.org.

For more information about Team North Carolina and Team South Carolina, visit Carolinasgolf.org/usndpteams.

About The USNDP 

The mission of the U.S. National Development Program is to foster future generations of American golf talent. The USNDP provides a pathway to success in golf by delivering competitive opportunities, support, and training that develops American golf talent and mitigates financial burdens. With our key strategic partners, host venues, and champions, we provide education, experiences, and mentorship that help athletes achieve success at each level. We are committed to fostering a positive and healthy pathway for American golfers to follow their dreams and reach the pinnacle of the sport. For more info, visit usga.org.