Freshman phenom Rose Zhang just made a big announcement about her future

SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. — The outlook for the Stanford Women’s golf team just keeps getting better.

A week after winning the program’s second national championship, freshman phenom Rose Zhang announced she will return to school for another season.

Zhang revealed her intention during an appearance on Golf Channel’s Live From the U.S. Women’s Open, and confirmed her plans to GOLF.com a short time later.

“It’s always been the plan — I’ve always wanted to stay at least a couple years before I decide anything,” Zhang told GOLF.com. “Another year won’t hurt anyone. I’m really excited to see and experience more things at Stanford.”

Zhang, who will tee it up in her fourth U.S. Women’s Open this week, won four times during her freshman season for the Cardinal, including the individual title at the NCAA Championship. She fired a four-day total of six under to claim the title by three shots.

The 19-year-old was also a key cog in top-ranked Stanford’s run to the team title as they defeated No. 2 Oregon 3-2 in the championship match. Zhang sank the putt that clinched the title as she defeated Sofie Nielsen in the anchor match.

“The amount of inspiration I get from the people I meet at Stanford is amazing,” Zhang said. “Just being able to have those experiences — one year was not enough. So I’ve got to go back for a second [year].”

Earlier this week, Zhang became the first student-athlete to sign a Name, Image and Likeness deal with apparel company Adidas. She was also the first NIL ambassador for Callaway when she signed a deal with the club manufacturer earlier this year.

“Having NIL in general will allow a lot of athletes to want to stay four years,” Zhang said on Live From.