CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois women's golf head coach Renee Slone announced the signing of Yingyuan Liu on Thursday morning. Liu will join the Fighting Illini from Beijing, China for the 2026-27 season.
Liu's Highlights: Champion, 2025 Super Lychee National Amateur Golf Championship; Champion, 2025 Visit Pullman Junior Championship; T-2nd, 2025 Brandon Wu Championship; 2nd, 2024 Volvo Junior National Championship; 2023 Buick National Junior Golf Elite Championship Champion - Beijing Station; T-3rd, 2023 HSBC National Junior Golf Finals; Selected as member of Chinese National Junior Golf Team (2024); Three-time National First-Class Golfer selection (2022-2024).
Why Illinois? "I know Illinois women's golf is focused on holistic development, which is consistent with my philosophy. I really want to balance my academics and golf, to make progress in both areas. Moreover, the training conditions are excellent and the atmosphere for student-athletes is fantastic. All of the coaches are very kind and pay great attention to communicating with the players."
Slone's Take: "Yingyuan's game has grown immensely in the past year and in particular the past six months following a period of dedicated training leading to success in several professional tournaments in China as well as AJGA events here in the US. Her uplifting energy will add to our team dynamic."
