American captain Stacy Lewis says she wishes she had 12 players like Lexi Thompson as the United States tries to win its first Solheim Cup since 2017.

Thompson, one of the biggest names in women’s tennis over the past decade, was selected as one of Lewis’ three wildcard picks for Friday’s match against Europe at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club.

This will be the 29-year-old’s seventh and final appearance in the competition after announcing her retirement from full-time golf. Lewis, who played alongside Thompson in the three previous editions, says she has become synonymous with the event.

“Her legacy is her and the Solheim Cup,” Lewis said.

“The way she interacts with the crowd and the fans, this event is Lexi through and through. She plays better golf here and is more excited to play golf here. She will do whatever it takes to win and I wish I had 12 of her.”

Thompson has won 15 times since turning professional in 2010, securing her only major title at the 2014 Kraft Nabisco Championship – now renamed the Chevron Championship.

She scored 12.5 points in 23 matches at the Solheim Cup, including three of four points in the thrilling 14-14 draw in Spain last year that saw Europe defend the trophy.

“She’s one of those people that you can literally put together with anyone,” Lewis added.

“It’s a huge hole (losing her). Whoever the next captain is needs to get her as an assistant, that’s all I can say. Lexi needs to be in the team room. She needs to be with those girls. She just has a great energy to be around.”

Thompson, who has been a fixture on the U.S. national team since her debut in 2013, admitted that she would love to take on such a role in the future.

“I would love to still be a part of it in some way, just because I know how special it was to me,” she said.

“(I’m) obviously learning from the assistants and from Stacy, and I know there’s a lot involved. I have to make sure I’m ready for it, (but) right now I’m focused on the golf part.”