Main Story

A golf set gifted to Liz Lyons as a child sparked a career that has helped make her one of the most accomplished players in Nebraska-Kearney history. The senior has excelled in the classroom and on the course, helping lead the Lopers to a conference title, an NCAA championship appearance and a record-setting fall season. She’ll return for a fifth year, giving a rising team one of its most consistent players and leaders.

By the Numbers
  • 4.0 GPA, with three WGCA All-American Scholar awards.
  • UNK won 4 of 5 tournaments in fall 2026.
  • Lyons shot 7 under par at the Central Region Preview, setting UNK’s 36-hole scoring record by 5 strokes; her second-round 66 set the school record for an individual round.
  • UNK won the 2026 MIAA championship by 2 strokes; Lyons finished second at 13-over 223.
  • Lyons plans to stay at UNK through May 2028.
Yes, But

Lyons’ individual records stand out, but she and her coach credit her consistency, mental approach and support for teammates—not just raw scoring—for her impact. UNK finished 18th at the NCAA Division II championship, even as its regional runner-up finish secured a return to nationals.

State of Play
  • UNK enters the next stretch with strong momentum after winning four fall tournaments and setting multiple program records.
  • Lyons’ fifth-year return adds an experienced player and team leader to a roster with five of its top six golfers returning.
  • The Lopers were ranked No. 27 in the WGCA Division II coaches poll and No. 31 in the National Collegiate Golf Rankings.
Bottom Line

Lyons’ story is about more than a childhood gift or a run of records: she’s become a model of how steady play, academic focus and team-first leadership can elevate a program. Her return gives UNK a chance to build on its breakthrough season.