In 1984, her senior season, she led the Bulldogs to a fifth-place finish at the NCAA tournament, was named NorPac co-Player of the Year, and was an All-American.

[2] Lawanson played for the Dallas Belles and Minnesota Monarchs of Major League Volleyball from 1987 to 1989.

She was the head coach at Angelo State for three seasons in which she led the team to a 19-65 record.

[6] Lawanson attended Clovis West High School, where she was a standout athlete who competed in volleyball, basketball, and track.

She has served as a member of the board of directors of the American Volleyball Coaches Association.