WASHINGTON - Georgetown University sophomore women's golfer Alexa Popowitz (Boca Raton, Fla./St. Andrew's) was selected to the Open Golf Team for the 20th World Maccabiah Games, which will take place from July 4-18, 2017 in Israel.

Maccabi USA will bring a team of more than 1,000 athletes, who will join 8,750 Jewish athletes from 80 different countries, participating in 43 different sports.

Popowitz will be among a group of 13 men's and women's collegiate golfers who will be participating in the Maccabiah Games. She played in a qualifier for the Maccabiah Games in Florida near her hometown, posting rounds of 77-77-75.

"Qualifying to represent the United States in these games is a huge honor," Popowitz said. "I get to play the sport I love with players from all over the world that share the same faith. I have never been to Israel so it will be a lot of fun to be able to see the county and play golf there. They also only have one course in the entire country."

Popowitz was named the 2016 BIG EAST Freshman of the Year after being the highest freshman finisher at the BIG EAST Championship, taking seventh place with an 18-over par 234. She was an All-BIG EAST Second Team selection after posting five top-20 finishes with a 77.60 stroke average last year.

Since 1932, over 62,000 athletes have participated in the Maccabiah Games, in a celebration of Jewish Strength and Solidarity. Team USA's success is not only measured by the medals won, but by the impact that the Maccabiah experience had on their lives as well as the friendships they formed.

Maccabi USA builds Jewish pride through sports, generating the emotional intensity, high ideals, and powerful camaraderie of competition. We connect athletes, volunteers, and supporters with the global Jewish community. Our athletic, educational, and cultural experiences build Jewish identity, perpetuate Jewish continuity worldwide, and strengthen support for the State of Israel.