Courtesy of Roosevelt Athletic Communications

CHICAGO -- Roosevelt University Vice President for Athletics and Student-Athlete Success Michael Cassidy announced on Thursday the hiring of Lauren Herlihy as head softball coach.

"Coach Herlihy possesses a unique skill set ideally suited to lead our softball program," said Cassidy. "Her ability to teach, mentor and communicate with student-athletes stood out and will aid in their success in the classroom, on the diamond and as future professionals after graduation.

"I look forward to collaborating with Coach Herlihy on the continued growth of our program and having her a part of our Roosevelt athletic department team."  

Herlihy joins the Lakers after spending the last three seasons as head coach at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, IL. Herlihy led the Tigers to 53 total victories the last two years, including a 30-win campaign in 2026.

"I want to thank Vice President for Athletics and Student-Athlete Success Michael Cassidy and Roosevelt University for the opportunity to lead the Roosevelt softball team," said Herlihy. "I look forward to the opportunity to mentor and lead the softball team with two important goals in mind: to raise strong and independent women, and build a strong softball program. Go Lakers!" 

Prior to her tenure at Olivet Nazarene, Herlihy spent three years at North Central College in Naperville, IL, serving as a graduate assistant coach during the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, before moving into an assistant coach/pitching coach role in 2022-23.

Herlihy earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2020 from Judson University, where she anchored the Eagles softball team as a four-year team captain and standout pitcher. Herlihy received her Master of Business Administration from North Central College in 2022.

Roosevelt softball competes in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) and is Chicago's only NCAA Division II softball program.