EMMITSBURG, Md. (July 22, 2026) – Incoming Mount St. Mary's freshman Madison Smith won the Junior Gold 18U Bracket in Minneapolis, Minnesota on July 18, earning a spot on Junior Team USA for the upcoming year.
 
Entering as the No. 12 seed, the Elmira, New York native soared through the winner's bracket, taking three of four matches to advance to the televised finals. Although she dropped the final winner's bracket game to need two victories at the final, Smith tallied scores of 216, 239, and 209 to emerge victorious.
 
According to Bowl.com, Junior Team USA competes in several prestigious events all over the world, such as the World Youth Championships, and many others as well. The team is comprised of 18 boys and 18 girls.
 
Smith was an All-Conference honoree and team captain at Elmira High School on a team that won seven conference and sectional championships. She is one of three incoming freshmen to join an established roster of five returners for the upcoming 2026-27 season.