Janice Olivencia says Kai Trump’s “competitive spirit” could make her Miami’s golf’s next breakout star should she reach the expected heights of her competitive nature
Kai Trump will play for the Miami Hurricanes in 2026
University of Miami head women’s golf coach Janice Olivencia is well aware of the spotlight that will follow her program after introducing her newest recruits for next season, featuring Kai Trump.
Olivencia called Kai “a multi-sport athlete with a strong competitive spirit and a true love for the game.” Her increasingly devoted and ultra-supportive fanbase seizes every chance to take photos of Trump royalty whenever she hits the links.
Coach Olivencia’s comments came during Miami’s announcement of its three signees for the 2026-27 season: Bella Dovhey from Orlando, Trump, and Carlee Rogers from Chattanooga. She views this all-star class as a potential game-changer for the Hurricanes’ future.
For Kai, the daughter of Donald Trump Jr. and secret slipping granddaughter of the U.S. president, this decision represents another milestone in her quickly progressing career, shifting from a junior role to a nationally recognized figure. “Kai will bring tremendous energy and excitement to Miami,” Olivencia said.
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“She’s very committed to her growth. Both as a player and as a person. Her emphasis on development will continue to lead her to new heights. Kai has big goals for Canes Golf with the work ethic to match.”
Trump’s background features participation in the Srixon Medalist Tour, AJGA, and South Florida PGA circuits. She achieved runner-up positions at the 2025 Major Championship at Village Golf Course and the 2024 Martin County Junior Open, along with a third-place finish at Lost City Golf Club.
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She achieved top-10 finishes at the Cognizant High School Invitational and the Martin Downs Medalist Tour event, while leading her high school team to four consecutive district titles. Her recent South Florida PGA Junior Tour scoring average is 78.25, a significant improvement from her 83.6 average across AJGA events.
While Miami’s staff emphasized Trump’s long-term potential, the other two signees already carry championship experience.
Dovhey is a four-time Team Florida member through the state golf association, a 2024 Circle Christian School Athlete of the Year, and a four-time All-Central Florida selection by the Orlando Sentinel.
Trump makes her debut in the ANNIKA on the LPGA Tour on Thursday(Image: Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Rogers captured the 2023 Tennessee Junior Championship, finished runner-up at the Tennessee PGA Junior Championship, and placed 35th out of 155 at the National Girls Junior PGA Championship after rounds of 77-72-75. Her –3.51 scoring differential ranks No. 2 in Tennessee’s Class of 2026 and No. 54 nationally.
Kai is also scheduled to compete as one of three amateurs in the LPGA’s Annika Driven by Gainbridge at Pelican Golf Club beginning on Thursday. a $3.25 million tournament featuring 15 of the world’s top 25 players. The Pro-Am will also feature WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark.
Trump in action during a practice round(Image: theannikalpga/Instagram)
Trump is ranked No. 461 in the Rolex AJGA standings, No. 1,083 in The Universal Golf Ranking, and No. 1,288 on Junior Golf Scoreboard. These rankings could improve quickly if her debut week reflects her new coach’s growing confidence.
