Softball Great Lauren Chamberlain Announces Retirement

Ahead of Friday night's Bedlam matchup between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State at the Women's College World Series, softball great Lauren Chamberlain announced her retirement from the sport after an illustrious playing career.

The 25-year-old superstar slugger, who is regarded by many as the face and personality of modern-day softball, cited physical limitations as the main reason for her retirement.

"I never thought that I would say those words, but unfortunately, I can only go as far as my body would let me, and it's not letting me go any further," Chamberlain told ESPN's Holly Rowe on Friday at the Women's College World Series.

Chamberlain, who played collegiately at Oklahoma from 2012 to 2015, is the NCAA softball career home run leader with 95. She helped lead the Sooners to a national title in 2013.

"Softball's been the love of my life," Chamberlain added. "Every time I played, I was hoping that someone would fall in love with the game, with what they saw. So I just know that everything that softball's given me, I hope that I gave the fans in return and that we can grow the sport."

Most recently, Chamberlain played four seasons of professional softball in the National Pro Fastpitch with the USSSA Pride. During her pro career, she blasted 34 home runs and collected 91 RBIs, while also helping the Pride win the 2018 Cowles Cup. The top pick in the 2015 NPF draft, Chamberlain was an All-NPF selection last season, hitting .350 with 12 homers and 30 RBIs.

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