LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Rogers State women's golf's Lauren Anderson has been named the Arkansas State Golf Association Player of the Year for the Junior Girls Division, the organization announced.
 
"I'm super excited to be named player of the year," said Anderson. "I knew at the end of the summer season it was going to be a tight race in points, but it was worth the fight! I want to thank my parents for supporting me through my golf career and always having my back. I also want to thank my swing coach, Phil Walker, for building a swing that I can have confidence in every day. The last nine years have had their ups and downs, but it has all paid off in the end."
 
A freshman from Tontitown, Arkansas, Anderson finished her junior amateur career with 640 points in the 2023 season. In six events, she either won or finished as the runner-up in all but one tournament, winning the Arkansas Junior Amateur Championship and the Burns Park Junior Championship.
 
"This is a major accomplishment, and it is a true testament to Lauren and her family's dedication to the game of golf and playing local events in Northwest Arkansas," said Rogers State Head Women's Golf Coach Whitney Hocutt. "I know Lauren has been working hard on her game for the past couple of years and her hard work has paid off. Being recognized as the Arkansas State Golf Association's Junior Girls Player of the Year is just the first of many accolades that Lauren will accomplish. I am truly proud of her and all that she achieved during her junior golf career, and I look forward to what she will continue to do in the Navy and Red. She will compete at a high level here on the Hill for the Hillcats."
 
Anderson will be honored along with the association's other players of the year at the Arkansas Golf Hall of Fame and Awards Banquet on Thursday, Oct. 5 at the Fayetteville Country Club in Fayetteville, Ark.
 
Anderson and the Hillcats will be back in action on Monday, Sept. 25 as they host the Central Regional Preview at Hillcrest Country Club in Bartlesville, Okla.