November 9, 2022

SIOUX FALLS – The University of Sioux Falls Golf program, and head coach Wade Merry, are excited to announce the addition of three athletes on National Signing Day.

"I'm really excited to have Tanna, Abbie and Riley join our USF Family. They are wonderful young individuals from great families and outstanding students and golfers. I believe they will make a major impact on our program the next four years."

-Wade Merry on the 2023 signing class

The members of the 2023 class include: Riley Larson, Tanna Phares and Abbie Ritzer.

Riley Larson, Glenwood, MN / Minnewaska Area High School

Riley comes to USF from Glenwood, Minnesota where he played golf and basketball for the Sharks. He is a three-time All-Conference selection while placing 3rd individually in sections, and was also a state participant. Larson also won the Resorters Golf Tournament which is the biggest match play tournament in the nation. Riley is the son of Vanessa and Doug, and plans to major in Business and minor in Management.

Tanna Phares, Rapid City, SD / Stevens High School 

Tanna is joining the Cougars from Rapid City, South Dakota where she attended Rapid City Stevens High School. As a Raider, she was a six year varsity player, and three year captain and MVP. Phares was selected to the All-Tournament Team at the 2022 South Dakota AA Girls Golf Tournament. Her 18-hole average is 77, with a low of 74. At the Warrior Invitational she won first with a score of 74. At the Mitchell Invitational she shot a 75, taking second place. With a score of 77, she was also second at the Yankton Invitation. At the state tournament she finished third, shooting a 78 the first day, and 75 the second for a two day total of 153. Off the course, Phares is very involved within her community. She volunteers at Cornerstone Rescue Mission, Feeding South Dakota, and South Canyon Lutheran Church. She is also a senior leader for Rapid City YoungLife. Additionally, she plays the violin through the Black Hills Suzuki School. Tanna is the daughter of Tari and Scott, and plans to major in Nursing or Education.

Abbie Ritzer, New Richmond, WI / New Richmond High School

Abbie comes to USF from New Richmond, Wisconsin. In high school she averaged a 38 on 9 holes and a 79.9 on 18 in tournament play. Abbie finished first in the Big Rivers Conference, winning almost all of her invitational meets. In Sectionals she took 5th, and had two state appearances, placing 47th and 22nd. Abbie is the daughter of Jen and Justin, and plans to major in Exercise Science.