Lauren Harris joined the McKendree University softball coaching staff as a graduate assistant ahead of the 2027 season following one of the most decorated playing careers in program history.
Harris assists primarily with the Bearcats’ infielders, drawing upon four years of experience within head coach Heather Tarter’s system. She also contributes to the program’s practice preparation, game strategy, player development and recruiting efforts.
The Woodlawn, Illinois, native concluded her collegiate career in 2026 after helping McKendree capture its first NCAA Division II Midwest Super Regional championship and finish as the national runner-up. Harris recorded a program-record 106 hits during her senior season and was selected to the NCAA Division II Women’s College World Series All-Tournament Team.
A four-time NFCA All-American, Harris earned first-team recognition in 2024 and 2026 and third-team honors in 2023 and 2025. She was also named the D2CCA Midwest Region Player of the Year in each of her final three seasons.
Harris produced a historic sophomore campaign in 2024, winning both the NFCA and D2CCA NCAA Division II National Player of the Year awards. She captured the NCAA Division II batting title with a .511 average and earned First Team All-America honors from both organizations.
Within the Great Lakes Valley Conference, Harris was a three-time Player of the Year, earning the award in 2023, 2024 and 2026. She was also named the 2023 GLVC Freshman of the Year and collected First Team All-GLVC honors during each of her four seasons.
Harris was equally accomplished academically, earning First Team Academic All-America recognition from College Sports Communicators in 2026. She was a four-time Academic All-GLVC honoree and received the GLVC Brother James Gaffney Distinguished Scholar Award in 2025.
A four-year member of the Bearcat softball program, Harris remained at McKendree to pursue her master’s degree following the completion of her undergraduate studies.
PLAYING CAREER HONORS
2026 – Senior
- NCAA Division II National Runner-Up
- NCAA Division II Women’s College World Series All-Tournament Team
- NFCA National Player of the Year Watchlist
- NFCA First Team All-American
- CSC First Team Academic All-American
- NFCA First Team All-Midwest Region
- CSC Academic All-District
- D2CCA Midwest Region Player of the Year
- GLVC Player of the Year
- First Team All-GLVC
- Academic All-GLVC
2025 – Junior
- NFCA National Player of the Year Watchlist
- NFCA Third Team All-American
- D2CCA All-American
- D2CCA Midwest Region Player of the Year
- First Team All-GLVC
- Academic All-GLVC
- GLVC Brother James Gaffney Distinguished Scholar Award
2024 – Sophomore
- NFCA NCAA Division II National Player of the Year
- D2CCA NCAA Division II National Player of the Year
- NFCA First Team All-American
- D2CCA All-American
- NCAA Division II Batting Champion (.511)
- D2CCA Midwest Region Player of the Year
- GLVC Player of the Year
- First Team All-GLVC
- Academic All-GLVC
2023 – Freshman
- NFCA Third Team All-American
- GLVC Player of the Year
- GLVC Freshman of the Year
- First Team All-GLVC
- Academic All-GLVC
