Ladies European Tour (LET) legend Gwladys Nocera has today been named captain of the European team for the 2024 PING Junior Solheim Cup.
The Frenchwoman continues the role for a second term, guiding her squad of young stars to a 15-9 victory in Spain.
Fellow LET winner and Dutchwoman Dewi Claire Schreefel has been named Nocera’s vice-captain. The pair aim to make it a hat-trick of European wins as the PING Junior Solheim Cup heads to Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Virginia on 9-10 September.
Nocera said: "I'm very excited to captain the European team for the second time in the coming PING Junior Solheim cup. It's a real honour and I'm sincerely touched by the trust. I’m very excited to lead what will be an amazing group of young and talented players.
“My role as a National Coach for France will allow me to follow the girls who will be aiming to qualify and alongside Dewi Claire Schreefel, my vice-captain, we will give our hearts so the team has the best time in America to bring the cup home! Thank you to PING, John Solheim and the LET for believing in me and for making this event so unique."
Nocera is no stranger to the Solheim Cup having represented Team Europe four times as a player between 2005 and 2015.
Since wrapping up her coveted playing career – one which included 14 LET titles, an LET Order of Merit (2008) and an LET Players’ Player of the Year accolade (2008) – Nocera has been committed to developing the next generation of talent through her work at the French Golf Federation as the Ladies’ National coach.
Schreefel meanwhile represented Europe twice at the PING Junior Solheim Cup in the 2002 and 2003 editions. Turning professional shortly after the Dutchwoman competed on the LET and LPGA alongside Nocera where she picked up one victory at the 2014 Helsingborg Open.
Like Nocera, Schreefel has also since turned to coaching, assuming a role with the Dutch National Team in the Netherlands where both the Solheim Cup and PING Junior Solheim Cup will be heading in 2026.
Schreefel said: “This event has a special place in my heart and I am truly honoured to be named vice-captain and be able to represent Europe. I am very excited to work together with Gwladys and help lead the talented group of players during this prestigious event.”
Twelve of Europe’s brightest young female golfers aged 18 and under will be vying for a third straight win against the USA at Army Navy Country Club a few days before the women’s main event.
The European Team will be made up of the leading six players from the PING Junior Solheim Cup Rankings – who will earn automatic selection – and six captain’s picks by Nocera.
Alexandra Armas, CEO of the LET, commented: “We are thrilled that Gwladys and Dewi have agreed to lead the European team at the 2024 PING Junior Solheim Cup. Gwladys showed outstanding leadership in Spain and bringing Dewi on board provides the perfect bridge to the 2026 edition in the Netherlands. On top of having wonderful playing careers, both Gwladys and Dewi recognise the crucial importance of developing the next generation of European players. I’m sure they will lead the team with passion and pride as Europe look to defend their title on away soil. We wish them the very best of luck.”
Read more about the PING Junior Solheim Cup at ladieseuropeantour.com/teameurope or follow @pingjrsolheimcupeurope on Instagram.
