SIOUX FALLS, SD -- Lexi Hanson, a standout golfer for the University of Sioux Falls' Women's Golf Team, has her sights set high as she looks for a big finish to her final year at USF.

Hanson, who is USF's second-ever, two-time NCAA regional qualifier, is navigating through a senior year impacted by a CoVID-19 pandemic by trying to maintain her golf game around studies and community service as she prepares for a promising future.

Five years ago, Hanson, a native of Chanhassen, Minn., was drawn to USF due to its size, tight-knit and family feel. "I fell in love with campus including how the teacher to student ratio was small and you weren't considered a 'number' when it came to your classes."

She was also drawn to the USF Golf Program, which was beginning to make some noise, and saw an opportunity for success in both academics and athletics.

The daughter of Chad Hanson and Nancy Lauderdale, Hanson comes from a competitive and athletic family. She grew up learning to play both golf and hockey from her dad, but when it came to deciding on a sport for college, the golf program at USF caught her attention. And, the results have been impressive.

"I strive to be the best I can be and that drives me to compete. I do not like losing and therefore I am very competitive in everything I do," said Hanson, a two-time All-NSIC performer who has totaled 16 top-10, and 22 top-20 finishes to go with two individual titles in her career with USF. 

And, Hanson's success at USF is derived from a spirit, drive and value structure passed to her from her parents, who have been her biggest supporters.

Hanson credits her mom for telling her to be "nice to everyone and always say please and thank you," she said. "My mom also taught me to always use my manners. I always try to make a friendly first impression."

Hanson's dad instilled in her the need to be humble and always work hard.

"He taught me to always be humble and never give up. My dad has always been the biggest influence in my life when it came to competing and taught me that being cocky and showing off will not get me far in life," said Hanson, who is forever grateful to her parents for their love and support.

At USF, the senior standout has experienced new friends, numerous highs in competition and a few bumps, which she managed with a stern focus. In the past year, she won her first two individual tournaments and shared in a team title at the Augustana Invitational. It has her ready and motivated for what lies in the future.
 
"One of my favorite memories is winning my first golf tournament in Kearney, Neb. (MIAA Fall Preview, Sept. 24-25, 2019), while shooting my lowest one (67, second round) and two-day score (school-record 141 - 74-67) with my parents, grandma, and teammates watching me. The second memory is when our team beat Augie and captured first place at the Augustana Invite in Sioux Falls," Hanson recalls.

The team title typified the pride she has about the program and especially her teammates. In five years, the bonds of friendships with teammates have grown into friends for life. "My teammates mean everything to me. They are some of my best friends and are always there for me," said Hanson.

The close-knit, family-like bond that she has experienced with her teammates is something special and is hard to find elsewhere, noted Hanson.

"One of my favorite things about golf is playing my last hole and knowing that my teammates are watching me come in and supporting me. A lot of our recent success is due to the bond we have made and how we support each other no matter what," said Hanson.

In addition, the senior golf standout is appreciate of her coaches, who have stepped up to provide sage advice and friendship.

"Both of my coaches are USF golf alumni which is a big factor that they bring to the table. It's very helpful that they have been in the position that we are in when we are out on the golf course and how they can relate to it and give us advice on what to do," said Hanson of USF Head Men's and Women's Golf Coach Tavia Rutherford and USF Golf Assistant Coach Brennan Thompson.

"Both Coach Rutherford and Coach Thompson are very personable people and easily approachable when it comes to any situation. It's great knowing that your coaches always have your back and strive to be the best and are just as competitive as their players are," she said.

Aside from her success as one of the program's best-ever, Hanson fits the the definition of a standout student-athlete. Not only has she been named to the NSIC Academic Team for three straight years, but she has also been selected to the NSIC Academic Team of Excellence (3.6 GPA or better) two years in a row, and received the Myles Brand All-Academic with Distinction Award from the NSIC (3.75 GPA or better). Plus she is involved in service and values USF's Culture of Service. All of those attributes and achievements are noteworthy but her leadership and drive has been a driving force to her success, noted Rutherford.

"Lexi Hanson has been a catalyst for the rise of our women's golf program. Her many academic and athletic accolades showcase the embodiment of being a student-athlete," said Rutherford, noting that Hanson is a five-time NSIC Athlete of the Week and two-time NCAA DII qualifier while being one of the most decorated golfers in school history.

"She has been a consistent leader for our program and has challenged those around her to set the bar higher allowing the team to absolutely shatter previous records," added Rutherford. "Lexi's two tournament wins this past season shine light on her persistence, driven attitude, and competitive spirit. She wants the best for her teammates and has helped create a culture of family and excellence for our women's golf program," added Rutherford.

 In addition to competing and achieving high in the classroom, Hanson has embraced USF's Culture for Service. "I really think Culture for Service is important. Throughout my time at USF, I have been involved in service, including volunteering at the St. Francis Home, mentoring a 2nd grade student for a school year, and teaching a creative writing class at the South Dakota State Penitentiary a few times," said Hanson. 

While the CoVID-19 pandemic has created challenges, Hanson has found ways to cope with it.

"One way I was able to cope with challenges during this pandemic was to go golfing. When I golf, whether it be playing or practicing, it always clears my head and puts me in a better mood," she said. She also goes for runs or works out, which also relieve any stress or tension.

"Exercise always makes me feel better and also clears my head," Hanson said. "I've found that talking to my family and friends helps me cope as well because we are all going through the same thing."

With competition postponed until 2021, Hanson continues to prepare for the spring with the hope she can compete on the golf course again by keeping her head in the game.

"When I walk up to the first tee and look at my competitors, I will tell myself that I am glad to be here. I try to play with confidence because once you lose your confidence your round can start to fall apart. I also like to talk through everything… By talking through it, whether it be in my head or with my coach, it helps me stay grounded and not get too upset about the outcome," she said. 

In the end, regardless of outcome, Hanson will cherish the memories and friendships while at USF. 

"My favorite  memories come from playing golf alongside my teammates. When I graduate college and my golf career is over, I will always look back on the memories I made along the way," said Hanson, who hopes for the opportunity to work in the Behavioral Analysis Unit of the FBI after completing her Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, and Social Sciences degree at USF. "My team is my family and everything we have experienced has been a special and motivating time in my life."