Raised in a close-knit and supportive family, her mother encouraged her to try golf. Lisa took up the sport at the age of 12, and has been an avid golfer ever since. Keeping her interests broad while in high school, Lisa was an active student as a cheerleader, school paper contributor and homecoming nominee. With a bachelor's degree in the arts and a major in interior design from San Diego State University, fate took its course for Lisa in her junior year at college. She was approached by a scout on campus who wanted her to consider a modeling career. Although she ultimately chose the modeling path, Lisa worked as an interior decorator for the restaurant chain, Chili's (where she had been a waitress), while in University.

While modeling, Lisa Dergan was introduced to another agency, which then led to her work with Wilhelmina in Los Angeles. Lisa spent the remainder of her University years studying and modeling on her off days. Since modeling required lots of traveling, Lisa managed to do both by incorporating her travels into her school studies. Lisa went to Los Angeles and her modeling career was going at full speed. Lisa was working on the magazine to pose for its "What Sort of Man Reads Play.boy" ads, and they eventually wanted her to model as a centerfold. She decided to go ahead with it after some decision-making, and while she was working for Hugh Hefner's mag, she was chosen as a Play.mate. After getting the coveted title of "Miss July 1998". She has since appeared in the Play.mate Pajama Party and the Play.boy Video Centerfold: Play.mate of the Year Heather Kozar in 1999, as well as the Play.boy Video Playmate Calendar 2000 and California Girls. Lisa was also seen in more G-rated shows, in episodes of Silk Stalkings and Frasier in 1996.

Lisa's compassion for the sport along with her interest in broadcast journalism has converged to make her one of the standout female sports reporters of today. Lisa started her broadcast journalist career in 2001 with future Hall of Fame Sportscaster Jim Hill on the #1 rated weekend TV sports show in Los Angeles, "Sports Central" on KCBS. She was live every Sunday with Jim Hill, Steve Hartman and Brett Lewis covering the entire NFL season. She has also Co-Hosted with Ken Ober (2001-2002) on the USA Network game show "SMUSH." Lisan, a FOX Sports Net reporter since January 2002, has reported live from such events as NBA Laker Basketball games, the Kentucky Derby, major PGA tournaments, NHL All Star Game and the Indy 500, along with other numerous events. Dergan also was in national TV commercials for Bud Light and as the newly appointed spokes person for Otomix Fitness. Dergan is a mainstay on the Celebrity Players Tour and is sponsored by Callaway Golf.