Being a three-sport athlete at Battle Lake High School kept Makenna Tysdal busy throughout the school year. That is until the COVID-19 Virus shut things down this spring. Tysdal played volleyball in the fall, basketball in the winter and golf in the spring.
“Makenna Tysdal has been a huge part of our OTC girls golf team the past couple of seasons with her natural leadership skills and great personality that she showcases in all her different activities and schooling,” said OTC Head Coach Mike Hepola. “She'll be the first to tell you golf hasn't come easy to her and maybe wasn't her favorite thing all the time, but I've really enjoyed the opportunity to coach Makenna and get to know her over these seasons. As all the readers who have given golf a try can attest to, golf can be frustrating at times. Makenna has gotten frustrated a few times and it's because she is such a fierce competitor and she doesn't want to ever settle for less than great and I really appreciate that spirit. It has led to her accomplishing great things in a variety of areas and will also lead her to do amazing things in her future. Thank you Makenna for all that you've done for the OTC golf program over the years. You are a tremendous young lady on and off the course and I'm proud of the young woman you've become and look forward to all the wonderful things you'll accomplish in your life!”
“It has been really tough not being able to have closure on my last year of high school,” Tysdal explained. “Our golf team had the promise of being really good this year so I am truly disappointed we could not play the season. I know our team was really excited to give it our all, especially since it was the last golf season for quite a few of us. My advice to underclassmen would be to take every opportunity that comes your way and to cherish each and every moment.”Battle Lake Head Volleyball Coach Jenny Roisum said, “Makenna was a strong leader for us this past season. She is a feisty competitor and was always pushing herself and her teammates to do their best.”
Makenna will be attending Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona this fall with a major in Marketing. She plans to do club sports, but she is not sure which ones yet. “I hope I can continue playing some sort of volleyball and maybe even try a new sport.” Her favorite school subject was history because, “I love learning about our world’s past and how that has shaped today’s society.”
Her favorite sports memory is the privilege she had to serve as captain for both volleyball and basketball her senior year. “I also enjoyed spending time with my friends while working to improve our competitive skills.”
David Marso, Head Girls Basketball Coach at Battle Lake said, “Makenna plays basketball with high energy and toughness. She has been one of our top defenders the last few years and we have counted on her to take on the best offensive opponent. The kind of effort she brings every game will be difficult to replace.”
“Being involved in sports has helped me to gain teamwork skills that I can apply to my future career,” added Tysdal. “It has also allowed me to develop amazing friendships with my teammates.”
