Early ANNIKA Honorees – Stanford University Athletics

COLUMBUS, Ga. – Freshman Megha Ganne and sophomore Rose Zhang have been named to the First Spring ANNIKA Award Watch List, as Stanford is once again well represented among the candidates for top female Division I collegiate golfer.

Created in 2014 and named for Annika Sorenstam, the ANNIKA Award presented by Stifel is annually given to the sport’s top golfer and voted on by players, coaches and members of the college golf media.

Zhang is looking to become the third two-time ANNIKA Award winner after capturing the hardware in 2022, joining Maria Fassi of Arkansas (2018-19) and Leona Maguire of Duke (2015, 2017).

The Cardinal is seeking its third straight ANNIKA Award recipient after Rachel Heck claimed the hardware in 2021.

Ranked No. 1 in WAGR, Zhang is building on an impressive rookie season in which she won the NCAA team and individual titles, was named the WCGA Player of the Year and established the NCAA single-season scoring average record (69.68). Two days ago, Zhang captured her ninth career crown at the Juli Inkster at Meadow Club Invitational, matching Andrea Lee’s school record and winning for the fifth time in six events this season. Zhang, whose only career finish outside the top-10 was a tie for 12th, has also produced 13 top-two finishes, 14 top-five marks and 15 top-10s in 16 career events on The Farm.

Ganne has enjoyed a solid freshman season and been a consistent anchor in the Cardinal lineup. Ganne has secured four top-10 finishes, including a runner-up performance in her collegiate debut at the Carmel Cup. A two-time member of the Curtis Cup Team and 2021 AJGA Rolex Player of the Year, Ganne was the No. 1 junior player at the time of her enrollment. Ganne was also the low amateur at the 2021 U.S. Women’s Open and finished tied for 14th overall.

Stanford returns to action on March 27-29, with individuals scheduled to compete at the Anuenue Spring Break Classic in Waikoloa, Hawaii.