ROCHESTER, Mich. — Oakland University head softball coach Lauren Karn has signed a contract extension through the 2025 season, Director of Athletics Steve Waterfield announced Wednesday. 

"I am very happy that Lauren will continue to lead the softball program," Waterfield said. "Since I arrived at Oakland, I have been impressed with the softball program Lauren has built on and off the diamond. In addition to the program's competitive successes, student-athletes have academic, athletic, and personal development opportunities because of Lauren's leadership. The future of Golden Grizzly softball is bright!"

Karn has guided the Golden Grizzlies to three Horizon League Tournament appearances, including two runner-up finishes in just four seasons at Oakland. Her third season was cut short to just 18 games due to COVID-19. OU is coming off one of its most prolific campaigns in school history, as school records were broke in winning percentage (.619), conference wins (23), home wins (18), batting average (.299), slugging percentage (.450), and fewest strikeouts (154). The 26 wins tied for the fourth-highest mark in program history and the most since 2015.

"I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to continue to lead the Golden Grizzlies softball program," Karn expressed. "With the vision of the athletic department under Steve Waterfield, I truly feel we are building something special here. I would like to thank Steve and Ashley Stone for all of the support they continue to show our student-athletes. I am excited to see what the future holds for us!"

Entering her fifth season at the helm, Karn has a career record of 74-87, which includes a 45-33 mark against conference opponents. She is only 19 wins shy of becoming the program's all-time winningest coach.

Karn has also excelled at Oakland Softball Field with a 29-12 record since her arrival to Rochester in July 2017. Among Division I teams who played in 20-plus home games last season, the Golden Grizzlies ranked seventh nationally in win percentage (.900) with an 18-2 record.

A total of 11 student-athletes have collected All-Horizon League accolades under Karn. The trio of Haley Zemmer, Madison Jones, and Cammie Brummitt became the fourth, fifth, and sixth individuals in school history to earn NFCA All-Region honors. 

Before Oakland, Karn spent three seasons as an assistant coach at Pittsburgh and also had coaching stints at Delaware (2012-24), Marist College (2009-12), and her alma mater Saint Joseph's (2008-09).