Lauren Harris of the #14 McKendree Bearcat Softball team has received dual All-American honors as the NCAA Division II Women's College World Series kicks off in Chattanooga. Both the National Fastpitch Coaches' Association (NFCA) and the Division II Conference Commissioners' Association (D2CCA) named her a unanimous First Team All-American. This recognition marks Harris as only the second player in NCAA history to earn multiple unanimous All-American titles, alongside UCLA's Rachel Garcia. Additionally, she is now a four-time All-American—a feat achieved by just 22 players overall in NCAA history, and only the second shortstop ever.

By the Numbers
  • Harris is a four-time NFCA All-American and the second shortstop recognized in NCAA history.
  • She has received three All-American honors consecutively from D2CCA.
Yes, But

While Harris's achievements are significant, some may argue that individual accolades may not fully reflect the team's success in the World Series, where outcomes rely heavily on collective performance.

State of Play
  • The McKendree Bearcats are currently participating in the NCAA Division II Women's College World Series.
  • Harris is one of five representatives from the GLVC on the All-American lists.
What's Next

As the tournament progresses, Harris and the Bearcats are poised to leverage her significant experience and accolades for a deep run in the championship, potentially seeking more recognition for the team.

Bottom Line

Lauren Harris’s recognition as a dual All-American reinforces her exceptional talent and historic achievements, positioning her as a key player whose performance could influence the Bearcats' success in the NCAA tournament.