ESPN GLOBAL NEWS: Michigan Wolverines’ Lauren Putz Named Softball America Player of the Year as Four Wolverines Earn All-America Honors
In a historic and pride-filled moment for the Michigan Wolverines, senior first baseman Lauren Putz has been crowned the Softball America Player of the Year, marking a significant personal achievement and a testament to the Wolverines’ dominance throughout the season. In addition to Putz’s headline-grabbing honor, four Michigan players have been named to the prestigious Softball America All-America Team, signaling a golden era for the program and cementing Michigan’s national reputation in collegiate softball.
Lauren Putz, a senior leader and cornerstone of the Wolverines’ offense and defense, has been nothing short of spectacular throughout the 2025 season. Known for her consistent bat, elite fielding skills, and undeniable leadership, Putz finished the season with eye-popping statistics: a .427 batting average, 17 home runs, 68 RBIs, and a fielding percentage near perfection at .996. Her performance in high-pressure situations, particularly during Michigan’s run in the Big Ten Championship and NCAA postseason play, made her a standout among peers nationwide.
More than just numbers, Putz’s presence on and off the field has made her a cultural leader within the Michigan program. She is widely respected for her work ethic, humility, and commitment to excellence—qualities that caught the attention of the Softball America committee in awarding her the Player of the Year title.
> “Lauren Putz embodies everything great about college athletics,” said Michigan head coach Bonnie Tholl. “She’s a fierce competitor, a selfless teammate, and a leader in every sense of the word. This award is richly deserved, and she’s left a legacy that will be remembered forever in Ann Arbor.”
Joining Putz on the All-America Team are three fellow Wolverines who had standout seasons in their own right:
Samantha Kline, junior pitcher, was named First-Team All-American after recording a 1.19 ERA, 226 strikeouts, and leading the Big Ten in opponent batting average.
Jordyn Weston, sophomore shortstop, earned Second-Team honors for her dynamic defensive range and .380 batting average.
Maya Delgado, a freshman catcher, was awarded Third-Team All-American and was also named to the All-Freshman Team, showing incredible promise for the future of the program.
This collection of honors is a reflection of Michigan’s deep talent pool, elite coaching staff, and relentless pursuit of excellence. The Wolverines finished the season ranked in the Top 5 nationally, with a 52-10 overall record, and made it to the Women’s College World Series semifinals—one of the best finishes in program history.
The buzz around Michigan softball is at an all-time high, and with several stars returning next season, the future is as bright as ever. But for now, the spotlight belongs to Lauren Putz, whose name will forever be etched in Wolverines history and the broader landscape of college softball greatness.
In an era where team and individual accolades often compete for attention, Michigan has proven that you can have both—a unified team and superstar individuals—working toward one common goal:
championship excellence.
