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NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State head women’s golf coach Jackie Szymoniak has announced that two student-athletes: Cynthia Lang and Xuan (Hazel) Gao; have signed Financial Aid Agreements (formerly National Letters of Intent) to play for Illinois State starting in the fall of 2026.
“We are excited to welcome Cynthia Lang and Xuan (Hazel) Gao into the Redbird Family,” said ISU head coach Jackie Szymoniak. “Each of them brings high character, integrity, competitiveness, and proven results. These are exceptional students and athletes and are ready to make a big impact on Redbird Golf the moment they arrive to campus.”
Cynthia Lang – Chandler, Arizona // Seton Catholic Prep HS
Lang, a senior at Seton Catholic Prep High School in Chandler, Arizona, is currently ranked as the 109th-rated prospect in the country per Junior Golf Scoreboard for the class of 2026. She has strong experience on the National and Regional levels and is a proven winner with the ability to shoot low scores. Her low 18-hole tournament score is a 65 (-7).
“Cynthia is first and foremost a great person and her steady improvement is a testament to her determination and love of the game,” said the head coach. “She is calm, collective, technically sound, and ready to step into a big role right away. She plays from strength, both mentally and physically, thus enabling her to consistently post low numbers.”
She has three Junior Golf Association of Arizona (JGAA) victories this year, most recently at the Keckstrong Chandler City Junior Championship on September 6-7 with rounds of 71 and 65 for a 36-hole score of 136, eight shots under par. Since January, she also has eight top-five finishes and two American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) top-six finishes, with the most recent coming at the AJGA Salt Lake Junior with rounds of 72-72-72.
Xuan (Hazel) Gao – Shanghai, China // Veritas Collegiate Academy
Gao, a native of Shanghai, China, attends Veritas Collegiate Academy. Her low 18-hole tournament score was a 65 at the 2024 CLPGQ Beijing Orient Tianxing Golf Tournament. She ranks as the No. 88 prospect for the class of 2026 per Junior Golf Scoreboard and has demonstrated tremendous consistency with the ability to shoot low scores on any stage.
“Hazel has extensive experience at the national and international level” commented Szymoniak. “Whether competing in a junior golf or professional golf event (as an amateur), she has a proven ability to quickly adapt, trust her training and talent, and execute shots. Her tremendous consistency, coupled with creativity around the golf course and an eagerness to grow and improve, leave no doubt that Hazel will reach great heights as a Redbird.”
She had two AJGA top-five finishes over the summer, placing fifth at the Nemacolin Junior Championship with rounds of 72, 69, and 77, while also placing fifth at the Renewal by Anderson Junior Open with rounds of 72, 72, and 76. She also tied for sixth at the 2025 AM Technical Solutions Junior, and eighth at the WVU Medicine United Hospital Center Junior Championship. Rounds of 72-69-65 landed Gao in the winner’s circle at the 2024 CLPGQ Beijing Orient Tianxing Golf Tournament.
“Both new team members bring a wealth of experience and have demonstrated an ability to shoot in the red,” said Szymoniak. “We can’t wait to assist Cynthia and Hazel as they further develop academically, athletically, and personally over their next four years on campus! They will be great teammates and are ready to hoist many championship trophies as a Redbird!”
