Wilson, Lambert named to Team USA Idaho in golf

Standout local high school golfers Ella Wilson, a sophomore at Coeur d'Alene, and Trey Lambert, a junior at Lake City, have been named to the inaugural Team USA Idaho in golf, the Idaho Golf Association announced. 

A total of eight junior golfers (four boys and four girls) were named to the Idaho team. 

According to an Idaho Junior Golf spokesperson: 

“In 2024 the USGA introduced the first ever United States National Development Program (USNDP). USNDP provides a pathway to for juniors’ golfers by delivering competitive opportunities, support, and training. Idaho is only one of 30 states that are a part of this program, with expansion going to all 50 states in the next couple of years. 

“Juniors make Team Idaho by competing in high-end events throughout the previous year. They are awarded points for how they performed in those events and at the end of the year the top three junior boys and top three junior girls get an automatic spot on the team. Then the committee selects the fourth member of each boy and girls team. Essentially the team is made up of the top 4 boys and top 4 girls in the state of Idaho. 

“Once on the team the juniors will get access to different resources to help them along their golf journeys. This is different than a travel team. There are no events that the juniors will play in, however that’s not to say that we may have a match against another state’s team. But there is nothing that is nationally set for the teams. This is more focused on the developmental aspects of junior golf.” 

In addition to their junior golf accomplishments, Wilson has won the state 6A girls individual title in both of her high school seasons. Lambert was fourth in 6A boys as a freshman, and tied for third last fall as a junior.

A press release states: 

“All athletes named to a state team will receive at least two days of in-person athlete development per year, access to webinars led by the USNDP’s coaching and athlete development team, consideration for USNDP sponsored tournament exemptions and a streamlined grant application process for families demonstrating financial need, among other benefits.”

Other juniors selected to Team Idaho are Justin Anderson of Post Falls, Aidan Szentanai and Andy Metzler of Boise, Gracee Payne and Danika Humphries of Twin Falls, and Cara Carter of Eagle. 

Joe Panzeri of Boise is coach of Team USA Idaho. Panzeri played at the University of Washington and University of San Diego, played on the Korn Ferry Tour, the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Canada, and most recently was an assistant in the Boise State men’s golf program. 

    Courtesy photo Lake City junior Trey Lambert finished fourth in the state 6A golf tournament on Friday at RedHawk Golf Course in Nampa.