- December 4, 2025
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With wins at the Florida State Golf Association’s 71st Boys’ Junior Championship this month and the Orlando International Amateur Championship in December, The First Academy rising senior Mingbo Jiang is entering his final season of high school golf on fire.
Jiang, a nationally ranked amateur, has finished in the top 10 at the FHSAA Class 1A State Championship tournament each of the past three seasons — helping lead the Royals to a team state runners-up finish in 2023 after shooting a 146 (+2).
The USC golf commit — who has twice come within three strokes of claiming the individual state championship, finishing two strokes behind the 2022 winner and three shots back in 2023 — will undoubtedly look to breakthrough this year and bring home both a team and individual state title but before he can shift his focus to Royals golf, Jiang is closing out his summer circuit by competing in the USGA Junior Amateur Championship in Dallas.
Age: 17
Sport: Boys golf
School: The First Academy
Grade: Senior
How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?
It feels great, and I’m thankful for the recognition and support from my family, friends and coaches.
What do you enjoy the most about golf?
I enjoy the challenge. Every round is different and keeps me focused.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from golf?
I’ve learned patience and how to handle pressure.
What is your favorite golf memory?
Winning the Florida Boys’ Junior Championship and setting the scoring record.
Who is your favorite athlete?
Lionel Messi. I grew up watching soccer, and he’s my all-time favorite athlete.
How does it feel to be committed to play golf at the college level?
It’s exciting, but I also know it’s going to be challenging, too.
What was it about USC that made you feel like it was the right place for you to continue your academic and athletic path?
I love the school. They have a very strong golf program and the coaches are really nice.
What is your go-to pre-round meal?
A little noodles and some rice with chicken.
What is your go-to pre-round hype song?
“In the End” by Linkin Park.
What is your favorite non-golf hobby?
I like to play soccer.
What is your favorite subject in school?
Math because I’m pretty good at it.
What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?
A knife, a lighter and a tent.
What is your favorite movie?
“Inception.” I really like the story and how it makes you think.
If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be?
Definitely Tiger Woods because I’d love to hear about his journey and mindset.
If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?
The 1990s here in the U.S. so I could watch Tiger dominate in his prime.
Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t worry too much. Just focus on the process and keep working hard.
If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?
Did all the hard work pay off?
Who is your favorite superhero?
Spider-Man. He’s just relatable and always tries to do the right thing.
Who is your favorite supervillain?
The Joker. He’s unpredictable and makes every story he’s in feel so intense.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
The power to make anything I say become real. That way, I could make sure I never miss a shot in golf again.
If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go and why?
England and Spain because I love soccer, and Japan to experience the culture.
If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why?
A dolphin because they’re smart, fast and free in the ocean.
What is your most controversial food take?
Don’t put lemons in water; it ruins the taste.
Does pineapple belong on pizza?
Yes, I think it tastes good.
