2024 Hall of Honor Inductee: Julie Owen

Rochester, Mich - Oakland Softball legend Julie Owen has been inducted into the Hollie L. Lepley Hall of Honor as part of the 2024 class. The Goodrich, MI native was one of the best hitters the program has seen. Her 2009 season is one of the best individual seasons in Oakland Softball history. Owen's .405 batting average for the season is the fifth highest by any player in the program's history. During this season she also held the highest single-season on base percentage in Oakland history (.544).

"My favorite memories came from games where we were underdogs. I loved playing with the girls, because even when we weren't favored to win we always had a ton of fight in us, and that was special," said Owen on her most cherished memories as a Golden Grizzly.

As a two-time team captain in her four seasons (2006-09), Owen's leadership on the diamond catapulted her into the career record books as well. She holds the third best career on base percentage in Oakland Softball history (.425), ranks number three in career hits (169), fifth in career doubles (31) and eighth in career home runs (14). Owen had an extremely high batting IQ, and was a danger whenever she stepped up to the plate. Her savvy at the plate rattled opposing pitchers, resulting in 55 times where she was hit by a pitch, the second most in NCAA history.

Owen was a three-time All-Summit League Team member, including a First-Team nod in 2009, leading the Golden Grizzlies to Mid-Continent Conference Tournament appearances twice in 2006 and 2007, where Oakland was able to win a game in each of their appearances.

Owen led by example in the classroom as well as on the diamond, notching Academic All-Summit League and Commissioner's List honors three times in her career.

As one of the top leaders on the team, Owen made sure to be the motivating factor around the program. "I tried to lead by example, but I also wasn't scared to get in someone's face and tell them 'let's go,'" said Owen on her leadership style at Oakland. "The biggest thing was I wanted everyone to have fun, win or lose…My time at Oakland taught me how to motivate people in sports and in life. As a business owner, I take pride in the ability to motivate and help people succeed".

Post-Graduation, Owen went on to play professional Softball in the Dutch Professional League where she was once again a top performer at the plate. Owen is now a successful business owner and boat captain.

"It is a great honor to be selected for the Hall of Honor," said Owen. "It was honestly unexpected, and I feel a lot of gratitude for the university".

Owen will be honored at halftime during the Men's Basketball game on Saturday, Feb. 3 at 1 p.m. against Cleveland State. This year's induction ceremony will be held at 6:30 p.m. after the game at the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester, MI.

Tickets for the ceremony can be purchased for $100 per person by clicking HERE.

Print Friendly Version