Ella June Hannant signs with Nebraska
By Trey Scott | Neuse News Sports
ECA’s Ella June Hannant signed to continue her golf career at the University of Nebraska, reaching a goal she has worked toward since beginning competitive golf as a young child.
“I’m thrilled. I’ve been playing golf for a long time, and to finally have this moment be here is pretty amazing,” Hannant said.
The Pikeville golfer, a member of the class of 2027, ranks No. 31 in the Rolex AJGA Rankings and earned honorable mention recognition on the 2026 Rolex Junior All-America team. She also ranks first in the Carolinas junior girls rankings and No. 36 in Junior Golf Scoreboard, with a scoring average of 71.87.
Hannant said her visit to Nebraska helped settle her college decision.
“I loved the campus and the coaches and their golf facility and team and atmosphere when I visited, and it just felt right when I was there,” she said.
Hannant reached the quarterfinals of the 2026 U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship at Old Chatham Golf Club in Durham after tying for 17th in stroke play. Her run included a 22-hole victory over No. 3 seed Anna Iwanaga in the round of 16, matching the longest match in that round in championship history.
In August, she earned her first AJGA title at the HV3 Foundation Junior Championship presented by Visit Mooresville. Hannant finished at 7-under-par 209, four strokes ahead of the runner-up, and recorded 16 birdies during the tournament.
She also won the Peggy Kirk Bell Girls Golf Tour’s 2026 Bell National Order of Merit title. Her results included a Bell National division victory at the Donna Andrews Invitational and top-five finishes at the LPGA*USGA Girls Golf Championship and Spring Bell Invitational.
Hannant’s résumé also includes the 17th PKBGT Invitational title, which she won in November 2025 at the Country Club of Landfall in Wilmington. She finished regulation at even-par 216 before winning with a birdie on the first playoff hole.
Hannant credited her family for helping her reach signing day, particularly her parents’ willingness to travel with her to tournaments across the country.
“My whole family has given me a lot of opportunities over the years,” she said.
She also credited her longtime coach at Walnut Creek, saying he has taught her since she was about 6.
“I’ve been playing competitively since I was about five, so it’s been a long journey,” Hannant said. “So to have all that pay off is pretty awesome.”
