Lauren Delaney

Classroom

Delaney is a civil engineering major who is on track to graduate this June. She has completed several engineering internships and wants to specialize in designing transportation systems. She certainly has the drive to succeed as her self-described favorite place on Northwestern’s campus, other than the softball field of course, is Deering Library.

Character

Delaney was forced to pitch 90 percent of Northwestern’s innings in 2009 after the Wildcats’ other primary pitcher suffered a broken bone during the pre-season. Through obvious fatigue, she found a way to pitch NU to the No. 12 national seed in the 2009 NCAA Tournament. A prime example of her toughness during last season was when NU played a six-game stretch against teams all ranked in the top 8 in the nation, and Delaney threw every pitch, leading the Wildcats to a 5-1 record in those games. Her coach had this to say, “Delaney is the student-athlete from all of my sports who drops by my office the most just to say hello, ask questions and seek ways to improve. As our top pitcher the last two years, she has been interviewed more than anyone on the team, and she is always seeking tips on ways to improve how to represent herself and NU better.”

Community

Delaney participates in a number of charitable opportunities provided through the Northwestern Athletic Department. This includes hospital visits, food drives, camps, and clinics. When the call goes out for volunteers, NU’s director of student development says that Delaney can always be counted on to respond and lend a helping hand. Delaney is active in the Girls in the Game program in Chicago along with several teammates and coaches. Girls in the Game provides and promotes sports and fitness opportunities, nutrition and health education, and leadership development to enhance the overall health and well-being of all girls.

Competition

Delaney won the first 15 decisions of her career and has put together tremendous statistics in her first three years. Her career record is 85-25 with 28 shutouts, six no-hitters, 965 strikeouts and a .173 opponent’s batting average. As a freshman she earned National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-Region and All-Big Ten honors. In 2008 she set Northwestern records with 37 wins, 51 games, 43 complete games, and 321 innings pitched. Those numbers resulted in her being named Big Ten Pitcher of the Year along with All-Region and All-Big Ten honors. Delaney is a six-time Big Ten Pitcher of the Week honoree, and was 2008 Big Ten Tournament Most Valuable Player. She has been incredibly consistent, finishing top 10 in the nation in wins and top 11 in strikeouts in each of the past two years.
• Named Big Ten Pitcher of the Year in 2008 along with All-Region and All-Big Ten honors. Also named Louisville Slugger/NFCA and USA Softball National Player of the Week.
• Six-time Big Ten Pitcher of the Week
• 2008 Big Ten Tournament MVP
• Once threw a 14-inning shutout during which she retired 21 straight batters – a perfect game under normal circumstances.
• Has finished in the top-10 in the nation in wins and the top-11 in strikeouts in each of the past two years