GAINESVILLE, Va. (AP) — Lexi Thompson is playing in the Solheim Cup for the seventh consecutive year and is one of three captain candidates announced Tuesday to help the Americans reclaim the trophy from Europe.

Thompson competed in the Solheim Cup for the first time in 2013 at the age of 18, becoming the youngest American woman to participate since the games began in 1990.

US captain Stacy Lewis also selected Jennifer Kupcho and Sarah Schmelzel for the games from September 13 to 15 at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club.

The seven players who qualified automatically are Nelly Korda, Lilia Vu, Lauren Coughlin, Ally Ewing, Allisen Corpuz, Megan Khang and Andrea Lee. Rose Zhang and Alison Lee qualified via the women’s world rankings.

“With her experience, Lexi was probably the easiest choice of the three,” Lewis said. “I know what Lexi can do in a Solheim Cup and that definitely helped her get a pick. She’s someone who will help the team a lot on and off the golf course.”

Cristie Kerr holds the American record by playing nine Solheim Cup matches in a row. Juli Inkster also played nine times, including eight in a row after having two daughters. Laura Davies of England holds the overall record by playing 12 in a row.

Thompson announced in late May that this would be her last year with a full schedule, but she did not elaborate on what that means.

“It means the world to me. Being able to represent my country is the greatest honor one can have,” Thompson said.

Kupcho is playing for the third time, while Schmelzel is the only Solheim Cup newcomer on the US team alongside Coughlin.

Last year’s matches in Spain ended in a draw, with Europe retaining the trophy as previous winners. The United States leads the series 10-7-1. The Americans have not won the Solheim Cup since 2017.