From the childhood memories of growing up next to a golf course in Jonkoping, Sweden, to the legacy being created on the ISU women’s golf team, Cajsa Persson’s passion, enthusiasm and positivity are the things that contribute to her success.

A sophomore at Iowa State, Persson grew up in a small town of about 130 people in Sweden. The house she and her family lived in was about 10 minutes away from a golf course.

She got into the sport because of her father, Peter Persson.

“[My father] was a very good golfer,” Cajsa said. “Having him and living close to a course, it was natural to get into the sport.”

The first time Cajsa picked up a club, she was 8 years old. She got serious about the sport when she was around 12 years old.

As Cajsa’s golf game progressed at Sandagymnasiet High School, she began searching for colleges to attend. After her older sister Lisa Persson decided to move to the United States and go to Sacramento State to play golf, Cajsa decided to look into coming to America as well.

Cajsa found Iowa State in the searching process.

ISU coach Christie Martens talked to Persson’s coach in Sweden after hearing how athletic she was. Martens and Persson began exchanging phone calls and emails, and eventually set up a visit to Ames.

“I took my visit [to Iowa State] and it was great,” Persson said. “The golf team was good; [coach Martens] seemed very positive, and it all clicked.”

After a year with the Cyclones, Persson started her sophomore year with top-10 finishes in the first three tournaments of the fall season this year.

At the Betsy Rawls Longhorn Invitational, Persson tied a record for a low 54-hole score and carded back-to-back sub-70 rounds to finish the tournament. She is the only player in ISU history to do so.

“She played really solid, putted really well and had a lot of confidence,” Martens said.

Along with Persson’s play on the golf course, comes her positive personality. Despite all of the accolades she has obtained so far throughout her time at Iowa State, she would like to be remembered as just a positive person and a positive golfer.

“Her passion is what makes her special. She is someone who does something she loves everyday,” Martens said. “She loves life, and she makes everyone at practice better. Cajsa has taken a positive role in wanting to change, and she’s excited to improve.”

Persson’s goal when she’s done at Iowa State is to be ready for the LPGA.

“Coming here, I just want to grow as a person and as a golfer,” Persson said. “Getting a bachelor’s degree is good, but golf is what I’m here for. I’m here to become an adult as well.”