Women's Golf | 3/17/2026 11:01:00 AM

CROOKSTON, Minn. - For senior golfer Anaka Lysne, the game of golf has always been a part of her life. Growing up in Wahpeton, N.D., Lysne spent years around the sport before deciding to take it more seriously during high school. "I played my whole life," Lysne said. "But I really started taking it seriously in high school."

That decision eventually led her to collegiate golf, where she now competes while majoring in sports and recreation management with a minor in coaching. The experience has not only strengthened her game, but also discovered her desire to work in the golf industry after graduation.

Throughout her collegiate career, Lysne has experienced several standout moments on the course. One of her best performances came when she shot one-under par during her sophomore season at The Jewel. She also captured a tournament victory during her freshman year and another win last season in Arizona. But her victory in Arizona stands out as her most memorable moment.

"In high school I was used to winning," Lysne said. "Then I got to college and it was like, 'wow, this is a lot harder.' It kind of hit me in the face." These challenges made her first collegiate win even more meaningful and enjoyable with her teammates. "When I won last year and I had my team there, it was just really fun," she said.

Golf at the college level has taught Lysne more than just how to better her swing or manage a round. The mental side of the game has become one of the biggest lessons she has carried both on and off the course. "It's very mental and level-headed," Lysne said. "If you have a tough hole, it's like having a tough day. You just kind of forget about it and move on."

That mindset plays a role in how she approaches competition. While personal success is always rewarding, Lysne underlined that her focus begins with the team. "I'm always trying to do my best for my team first and then myself second," she said. "We have a really good team this year, and that's been fun. We've been placing in the middle or towards the top. Going into every tournament you want to win, but the mentality is focusing on every shot."

The team atmosphere is also what she loves most about competing at the collegiate level. "I just love how fun it is," Lysne said. "You get to play with a lot of different people of different calibers. It's a team sport, and I've had a lot of fun going on team trips." When she's not on the course, Lysne enjoys spending time with family and friends or visiting the lake in Ottertail.

 Lysne also has a go-to snack during competition. "Fruit snacks," she said with a smile and stressed that the strawberry one was her favorite. "Preferably the strawberry."

Looking back on her college journey, one word stands out to describe the experience: patience. "When I got here, I felt on top of the world after having a good senior season in high school," Lysne said. "But now it's much harder. I had to learn patience." One of the biggest influences throughout her career has been her high school golf coach, someone she still reflects on for guidance. "He was my coach the whole time in high school," Lysne said. "I still think about things he would tell me. He was a really good coach and one of my biggest role models."

As the spring season continues, Lysne hopes to continue to grow with her past success. Individually, she has her eyes set on another tournament victory. As a team, the goal is to stay competitive and climb the conference standings. "I'd like to win a tournament and just have fun with my team," she said. "Team-wise, we want to compete and try to place in the top half of the conference. I believe we can pull it together."

For younger golfers who hope to follow a similar path, Lysne has one simple piece of advice: take action. "Reach out to colleges," she said. "There are so many colleges that need female golfers. Just reach out. You'll never regret it."