Char Lorenz Finds New Home at LSU, Reunites with Familiar Faces, and Aims for Historic Success

Char Lorenz, a Freshman All-American from Louisville, has joined LSU’s softball program, bringing her versatile talent, infectious passion, and a renewed sense of purpose. After navigating a challenging freshman year marked by injury, Lorenz is ready to make her mark with the Tigers alongside fellow transfers Kylee Edwards and Ally Hutchins, as well as standout pitcher CeCe Cellura. In a recent Q&A, Lorenz opened up about her journey, her relationships with coaches and teammates, and her ambitions for LSU’s future.

A Special Bond with Coach Bryce Neal

Lorenz’s connection with LSU Assistant Coach Bryce Neal dates back to her high school recruiting days when Neal was at Louisville. “My relationship with Bryce is truly one of a kind,” Lorenz shared. Neal saw her potential early on, even when recruiting was slow, and made her and her family feel like part of the Louisville program. Now at LSU, their reunion feels like a second chance. “It’s even more special because we get a do-over now and can work hard together,” she said. Neal’s personal approach during her transfer process—focusing on catching up as people rather than just softball—sealed her decision to join LSU.

Neal far left with Char on a recruiting trip while at Louisville

Reuniting with Kylee Edwards

Lorenz’s arrival at LSU also reunites her with Kylee Edwards, a fellow Indiana native and former teammate from their Indiana Magic travel ball days. Reflecting on their shared history, Lorenz said, “It’s crazy to think that at 14 years old, we were playing ball as little girls having fun, and now we get to do it all over again together.” Their bond extends off the field, with the two already texting frequently and planning to live together. Edwards recently spoke about the pride of representing Indiana and inspiring Midwest girls, a sentiment Lorenz echoed. “It’s really special because I don’t think either of us knew where softball was really going to take us,” she said. “To now be that inspiration is so awesome. I truly thank God for allowing me to have this opportunity.”

Kylee Edwards also took another opportunity to share with me her thoughts on teaming up with Char, and she said, "It means everything for Char and me to take the field again. I think back to all the early mornings and late nights playing the game we loved together when we were younger. Playing this game together means more than just a game to me. Putting Indiana girls on the map and showing Midwest girls that you can turn your dream into reality! I can’t wait to take the field with Char again and represent Indiana together!"

Overcoming Adversity

Lorenz’s freshman year at Louisville was derailed by injury, a setback she now views as pivotal to her growth. “I actually talked to Coach Torina a lot about that, and I don’t think I would be the player I am today without that injury. It took a very long time to change my perspective on it because, at the time, it felt so devastating. I wanted to play so badly, and having to sit out was hard, but I truly took the time off to practice, learn about myself, and learn the game. Without that injury, I am not sure how much growth I truly would’ve had.

When I brought up Tori Edwards having a similar path to Freshman All American, Char was quick to point out "I think it’s important to emphasize that Tori is Tori, and she plays like Tori does. I kept up with LSU this past year, and she has such a unique skill set that I don’t really replicate." While acknowledging their unique playing styles, Lorenz noted, “We both got injured and decided to play the next year like ourselves to our fullest abilities.”

A Versatile Asset to the Tigers

As one of four impactful transfers joining LSU’s talented roster, Lorenz brings a unique versatility. “I’m just a ball player, not a specific position player,” she said, having played every position except pitcher, the same as she did in college. Her adaptability, paired with her love for the game, aligns with the selfless mindset of Edwards, Hutchins, and CeCe. “We all just love playing the game like kids,” she said. Lorenz is excited about the chemistry developing among the group, both on and off the field. “I’m so excited to have best friends off the softball field because that’s what it’s all about,” she added.

Why LSU?

Despite earning All-American honors and securing ample playing time at Louisville, Lorenz entered the transfer portal to chase her full potential. “I love winning, but more than that, I hate losing,” she said. “I wanted to grow my game to reach my best potential, and I felt like I was far from my ceiling.” Char added "I wanted to see if being in the postseason was an option for me. Bryce made me feel safe and secure. Our first phone call after I was in the portal was less about softball and more about catching up as people. To me, that speaks volumes about the type of people they have there." She said of Edwards and recruiting her to LSU "Kylee called me and offered to help me through the process and said no matter my decision, she loved and supported me but would love for me to play with her again." Taking everything into account Lorenz says "truly, it just was a good match for everything I was looking for, and that relationship with Bryce was undeniable. The entire staff and Coach Torina just showed so much care for me as a person it was hard to say no." 

Looking Ahead

Lorenz’s journey from injury to All-American status has strengthened her faith and resilience. “It showed me that truly anything is possible if you want it bad enough,” she said. As she embarks on this new chapter, her goals are twofold: personal growth and team success. “I just want to keep improving this next year, but more importantly, I want to be part of LSU’s firsts in their program’s history,” she said. With a talented roster and a shared passion, Lorenz believes the Tigers are poised to achieve unprecedented success. “I truly think we’re capable of doing more than anyone has ever thought, and I’m excited for it.”

As Lorenz steps onto the field in Baton Rouge, she carries with her a renewed sense of purpose, deep-rooted relationships, and a determination to leave a lasting legacy at LSU.

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