Get To Know The Huskies: Washington Women's Golf
September 11, 2026 | Women's Golf
The Washington women's golf season is underway, as the Dawgs have concluded their first and only tournament at home earlier this week at Chambers Bay.
UW welcomed a pair of newcomers in Ha Young Chang and Hannah Ounap, who will join returning student-athletes Amber Li, Mads Smith, Wendy Tang and Athena Ni for the 2026-27 season.
Read below to get to know each of the student-athletes before they hit the fairways more this season.
Amber Li
Why Washington? What makes UW special?
We have such an incredible community of people who want to really know each other and are so open to supporting each other. On top of that, we have a gorgeous campus in such an amazing city, and there’s a great balance between city life and nature.
What is your golf origin story?
My dad started taking me to the range when I was 5. I started with his clubs and he’s 6’2” so you can imagine how long they were for me as a 5-year-old.
What is your favorite part of golf?
So many things - it’s hard to pick one. We get to travel, see gorgeous places, and meet super cool people. But I also just love a warm, sunny practice session especially at sunset when I’m the only one out there. It’s so peaceful.
Favorite golf memory?
Playing a scramble at Nanea my freshman year with my teammates Vivian and Jenny and our coach and shooting 59. Beautiful course, amazing people, and we broke 60!
If you didn’t play golf, what sport would you play and why?
I would do gymnastics because I always wanted to as a kid. I think it’s the coolest sport and seems the most fun from the outside looking in.
What’s your go-to thing to do in Seattle?
I love walking along the waterfront or taking the light rail to explore different neighborhoods and try all the food.
Wendy Tang
Why Washington? What makes UW special?
I chose UW because of the team spirit and atmosphere. We support each other through good and bad rounds and always do our best to create a positive mood in between us. Beyond golf, I love the breathtaking Pacific Northwest scenery. The views of Mount Rainier, forests and lakes right around campus create such a calming environment for students.
What is your golf origin story?
I started playing golf at the age of 9, and my dad got me into golf. I wasn’t immediately a huge fan at the very beginning, but I grew to love it through practicing, competing, and spending entire weekends out on the course with my brother.
What is your favorite part of golf?
My favorite part of golf is getting to compete alongside skilled players. A full round typically takes half a day, so it gives me the perfect chance to meet new people and build meaningful connections with them.
Favorite golf memory?
My favorite golf memory is when I played FCG International in Temecula in 2023. It was my first time shooting under par. I had a great bounce back from the first 4 holes. It was a confidence booster.
If you didn’t play golf, what sport would you play and why?
If I didn’t play golf, I would pick tennis. I remember thinking tennis players looked really impressive when I was younger.
What’s your go-to thing to do in Seattle?
Exploring all the good food places with my friends
Athena Ni
Why Washington? What makes UW special?
I think that UW offers a great balance between high-level academics and competitive golf. What makes UW special to me is our team environment and opportunity to compete at the highest level for golf. I also love how the campus is beautiful and there’s a variety of food options near campus.
What is your golf origin story?
I started playing golf when I was around 9 or 10 years old. My mother had started playing before me, and since we’ve always been like best friends, she wanted a buddy to play with. The funny thing is, I ended up falling in love with golf even more than she did and eventually began playing competitively.
Favorite golf memory?
Playing a round of golf for practice with my teammates during my freshman year. After every shot, we would switch balls and clubs with each other, which made the round really fun and memorable.
If you didn’t play golf, what sport would you play and why?
I would probably choose figure skating because performing difficult jumps and spins on the ice looks both challenging and cool. I’m always impressed by the skaters’ skill and artistry, and I find the costumes they wear really beautiful.
What’s your go-to thing to do in Seattle?
Staying at my dorm and watching drama shows
Hannah Ounap
Why Washington? What makes UW special?
UW gives me the best of both worlds; high-level academics and high-level golf. That balance made it an easy decision for me.
What is your golf origin story?
I started with plastic clubs which I got as a gift when I was young, and I liked it so much that I continued with it.
What is your favorite part of golf?
Hitting pure shots
Favorite golf memory?
Representing my country, Scotland, for the first time
If you didn’t play golf, what sport would you play and why?
I did quite a bit of sailing as a kid, so I’d most likely be sailing.
What are you most looking forward to about living in Seattle?
I am looking forward to all the memories I am going to make. I am extremely excited to begin this academic year and start playing in tournaments.
Mads Smith
Why Washington? What makes UW special?
I love Washington for how diverse it is as a state. You can really do every activity here and I found that super appealing. UW is a fantastic school with a beautiful campus and all the resources to succeed!
What is your golf origin story?
Me and my brother both started playing when we were younger. I used to copy him and wanted to do whatever he was doing it and loved it from the moment I started
What is your favorite part of golf?
Getting to travel to and play in some beautiful places!
Favorite golf memory?
Winning the Walton Heath trophy! It was an awesome event and the first time there was a women’s trophy!
If you didn’t play golf, what sport would you play and why?
I would love to do swimming. I did it loads growing up and find it so peaceful.
What’s your go-to thing to do in Seattle?
Watch the sunset at Gasworks with snacks from the Metropolitan Market!
Ha Young Chang
Why Washington? What makes UW special?
UW makes me feel welcomed and at home. I love how my wonderful teammates support each other while competing and fighting for victory. UW also has a beautiful campus, and the atmosphere makes me excited to start a new chapter of my life.
What is your golf origin story?
I started playing golf at the age of 8 when my dad brought me to the driving range and started teaching me how to swing a golf club. At first, I didn’t really like golf and never thought of pursuing it as a future career. However, as my skills slowly progressed and I gained more experience, I started to really enjoy playing golf at a high level.
What is your favorite part of golf?
My favorite part of golf is putting. I think it has always been putting. I love reading the green and imagining the line I want the ball to travel to the hole. The best part is when the ball travels exactly where I want it to go and I hear it drop into the hole. It’s very satisfying.
Favorite golf memory?
I have a lot of great memories, but if I had to choose one, it would be going to Augusta National through Drive, Chip & Putt. It has been a dream of mine to step onto the course and watch the Masters ever since I was little. I was so excited and amazed to have the opportunity to experience Augusta National and putt on the 18th hole during the final round of Drive, Chip & Putt. I will never forget that experience.
If you didn’t play golf, what sport would you play and why?
I would probably choose Taekwondo. I’ve been training in Taekwondo since I was 3 years old, and I am currently a third-degree black belt. Taekwondo has given me a lot of discipline and confidence throughout my life, and it has helped strengthen my mental game in golf. It has helped me in so many ways, and I think it would be beneficial to continue training in Taekwondo if I didn’t play golf.
What’s your go-to thing to do in Seattle?
My go-to thing to do in Seattle is go shopping at the Seattle outlets.
What are you most looking forward to about living in Seattle?
I’m most looking forward to getting to know my teammates better, having fun, and making new memories at UW!
