Incoming LSU Freshman Lauryn Soeken Prepares to Elevate Her Game

As another exciting LSU softball season concludes, all eyes turn to the next wave of talent ready to shine. Among these newcomers is Lauryn Soeken, an incoming freshman whose impressive achievements have captured the attention of the softball community. I recently had the opportunity to chat with her about her aspirations, training, and remarkable statistics as she embarks on this new chapter in her career.

A Star on the Mound

Lauryn Soeken is a right-handed pitcher whose accomplishments showcase her talent. Ranked No. 22 overall by Line Drive Media and No. 77 by Extra Innings, her senior year performance was nothing short of exceptional. Over 55.1 innings, she faced 206 batters, achieving an impressive 115 strikeouts and a stellar earned run average (ERA) of just 1.31.

Her whip (walks plus hits per innings pitched) stands at an astounding 0.687, with a batting average against of only 0.122. These metrics not only exhibit her skill but also demonstrate her dominance on the field. Notably, her strikeouts per 7 innings (K/7) rate of 14.6 far exceeds the elite standard of 8-12 typically seen among elite high school pitchers. Competing in Texas’ highly competitive 6A division, home to some of the best teams in the nation, her statistics highlight her exceptional talent and preparedness for the collegiate level.

The Competitive Landscape of Texas Softball

Softball in Texas, especially in the Houston area, boasts a strong tradition of talent and fierce competition. Lauryn's high school, Katy High School, has developed a reputation for excellence, often going up against formidable teams such as Deer Park, Pearland, and Barbers Hill. Competing at this level means facing challenges that refine skills and build resilience.

For instance, during her final season, Soeken pitched against some of Texas's top hitters, achieving over 50% strikeouts in crucial games. These experiences not only sharpened her skills but also provided invaluable lessons about mental toughness and adaptability. It’s these experiences that have equipped her for the rigorous demands of collegiate softball.

Ready to Make Her Mark at LSU

When discussing her goals for her freshman season, Lauryn expressed her commitment to making a positive impact on her new team. “My main goal is to make an impact on the program and just to add to the great atmosphere they already have" she shared. Her focus is clear: work hard, collaborate with teammates, and elevate her skills to rise to the challenges ahead.

In anticipation of her transition to college athletics, Soeken has adopted a rigorous training regimen, including daily weightlifting sessions and bullpen practices 4-5 times a week. She commented "I’ve been working hard on throwing a drop ball to pair with my rise ball which I feel will really benefit me against college hitters." This structured approach is designed to prepare her physically and ensure she quickly adjusts to LSU’s training environment.

Mastering Skills for Success

During our conversation, Lauryn passionately credited her ongoing training efforts as a major reason for the jump in her stats from the time she committed in 2023 to . She states “I have really dedicated my bullpens and training to increasing my velocity and being able to move the ball through the zone to create better tunneling of my pitches which has led me to be more successful" she noted. This thoughtful approach showcases her understanding of the multifaceted nature of pitching.

Versatility on the mound is critical, especially at the college level where hitters are skilled and constantly analyzing pitches. By diversifying her pitch options, Soeken positions herself effectively to tackle the competitive challenges she'll face at LSU.

Building Relationships and Embracing New Opportunities

When she made her commitment, she attributed her decision to the staff. We revisited those relationships, and she remarked, "My relationship with the staff has always been great, from the very first camp I went to in 2021 to now. I have gotten to know them more personally over the years and am super excited to grow my relationship more with the newer coaches as well!"" She recently visited LSU for a weekend series and reflected on her visit, saying, "All my trips to LSU are great experiences, my last trip I got to meet more of the commits and start to create relationships with them which is super great!! We got to try new foods in Baton Rouge and go to the basketball games, so I really got to experience more of what Baton Rouge has to offer."

We stayed on the topic of her relationship with the staff, and I asked if they have shared any details on their plans for her competing in her freshman season. Lauryn commented, "Everything that I’ve been told leads back to how I perform. If I perform well, then I will play. That’s a reason I love the way Coach Beth operates; she’s going to give everyone their chance, and the players' performance decides if they play, which I’m super excited about. I hope to take my opportunities and hopefully make a big impact."

We discussed her high school career ending and a new chapter beginning and Soeken shared her feelings "I’m so ready for this new chapter of my life. I have dreamed of playing college ball for 10 years and now knowing it is only a few months away is so exciting and I am ready for it!" She added "This experience is such a dream come true for me, the coaching staff has left me with no doubts and only excitement for the next 4 years of LSU softball."

If you enjoyed this article leave a comment, hit that like button and share on your social media. You can subscribe to the mailing list for articles to be delivered to your inbox.