KINGSTON, R.I. - Fourth-year player Josiah Tong has been named as the team captain for the 2026-27 season, Rhode Island head coach Gregg Burke announced.

"Josiah has grown into a leadership role over time," Burke said. "He has always led by example. It has been a wonderful treat to be a part of his maturation since he first got here."

Named to the 2026 Atlantic 10 Academic All-Conference Team, Tong also is a two-time Cobalt Golf Division I All-America Scholar. Tong has a 4.0 grade-point average in Business Management. A member of URI's Honors Student Program, Tong has made the Dean's List in all six semesters he has been at the university. He also served as a Student Leader for URI's Athletes in Action mentorship program.

"Academically Josiah is one of the most accomplished student-athletes we've had," Burke said. "He is a 4.0 business major in the Honors Program. Watching him conduct his academic life is a lesson in perseverance and sacrifice. His laptop is open for hours when we take the van, and in the airport when we fly."

Over the last three seasons, Tong has played 31 events with the Rams. He has helped Rhode Island qualify for the National Golf Invitational each of the last two seasons. Last season, Rhody finished fourth at the 2026 Atlantic 10 Championship, the team's top finish in nine years.

"He has also grown tremendously as a player," Burke said. "He never gets down on himself during a round or tournament. That is a long way from his freshman year. I believe he'll win a tournament for us this year. He has more shots than he did when he came and he is our best thinker on the course.

"Josiah is a rare pleasure and what he does at URI just scratches the surface of what he'll accomplish in his life."