KOHLER, Wis. -- Dottie Pepper has been appointed assistant captain for the 2013 U.S. Solheim Cup team.

U.S. captain Meg Mallon announced the selection Wednesday at Blackwolf Run, which is hosting the U.S Women's Open this week.

It's a sign that Pepper and the U.S. team have moved past a controversial comment Pepper made on air while working as a television analyst at the 2007 Solheim Cup. Pepper referred to the U.S. team as "chokin' freakin' dogs," believing she wasn't on the air.

Pepper says there "was definitely a lot of hurt" and she still regrets it.

Mallon said Pepper needs to "stop carrying this burden around."

The 2013 Solheim Cup will be held at Colorado Golf Club in Parker, Colo. Mallon said the course has not been affected by recent wildfires.