CGN Player Highlight: Kiara Romero University of Oregon
Kiara Romero: A Standout at the University of Oregon
Kiara Romero, a sophomore from San Jose, California, has quickly emerged as one of the premier women’s collegiate golfers in the country. She is currently ranked No. 5 in the nation by Clippd.
Since arriving in Eugene, Romero’s career has taken off. She entered the 2023–24 season with high expectations, earning selections to both the Preseason Golf Channel All-American First Team and the ANNIKA Award Fall Watch List.
Pre-Oregon Career & Junior Golf Achievements
Before joining the Ducks, Romero was widely recognized as one of the top junior golfers in the country. She was ranked the No. 1 player in the Class of 2023 by Golfweek and was a three-time Rolex Junior All-American. Her amateur accomplishments include winning the 74th U.S. Girls' Junior Championship and earning medalist honors at the 2021 California Junior Championship.
Historic Start at Oregon
Romero made an immediate impact in her freshman season, setting a new standard in the Oregon program. She became the first Duck ever to be named national freshman of the year, and just the second player in school history to earn WGCA First-Team All-America honors. She was also one of five players named to the inaugural WGCA All-Freshman Team and earned All-Pac-12 First Team recognition.
Among her many milestones, Romero shattered the Oregon single-season scoring record and became the first Duck to post a 72-hole tournament score under par. She helped lead Oregon to the match play portion of the NCAA Championships and became just the third freshman in program history—and seventh Duck overall—to win multiple collegiate tournaments in a single season.
Sophomore Season and What’s Next
Now in her second year, Romero has continued to build on her early success. Once again, she was named to the Preseason Golf Channel All-American Team and remains a contender for national honors as the season progresses. She was also selected to represent Team USA at the 2024 Arnold Palmer Cup.
Romero’s first two seasons at Oregon have already been historic—and with plenty of golf still to be played this spring, all eyes will be on her to see how she closes out another dominant campaign.
