Lauren Lappin has been by Caitlin Lowe‘s side since the former Arizona softball star took over as head coach at her alma mater. Lappin’s loyalty is being rewarded with a promotion to ***** ociate head coach that was announced on Saturday morning.
On game days, Lappin can be seen coaching third base, where television commentators regularly mistake her for Lowe. On practice days, she’s in charge of one of the most critical pieces of Arizona’s game: defense.
She has led the defense as it produced three conference defensive players of the year, including the final two of the old Pac-12. Allie Skaggs was crowned the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2023 after completing a season with a perfect fielding percentage at second base. The Pac-12 gave the honor to shortstop Tayler Biehl in 2024. In 2026, centerfielder Regan Shockey picked up the award in the Big 12.
The Wildcats also had three straight seasons with a Gold Glove winner under Lappin’s guidance. Skaggs won in 2023. Dakota Kennedy got the nod in 2024. Devyn Netz, who was a star in the circle and at first base, received a Gold Glove honor in 2025.
The former All-American at Stanford helped the Wildcats set a program record for double plays in a season in 2026. The team led Division I with 46 double plays in 55 games. The next closest was South Florida, which had five fewer double plays in five more games than the Wildcats.
On game days, Lappin can be seen coaching third base, where television commentators regularly mistake her for Lowe. On practice days, she’s in charge of one of the most critical pieces of Arizona’s game: defense.
She has led the defense as it produced three conference defensive players of the year, including the final two of the old Pac-12. Allie Skaggs was crowned the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2023 after completing a season with a perfect fielding percentage at second base. The Pac-12 gave the honor to shortstop Tayler Biehl in 2024. In 2026, centerfielder Regan Shockey picked up the award in the Big 12.
The Wildcats also had three straight seasons with a Gold Glove winner under Lappin’s guidance. Skaggs won in 2023. Dakota Kennedy got the nod in 2024. Devyn Netz, who was a star in the circle and at first base, received a Gold Glove honor in 2025.
The former All-American at Stanford helped the Wildcats set a program record for double plays in a season in 2026. The team led Division I with 46 double plays in 55 games. The next closest was South Florida, which had five fewer double plays in five more games than the Wildcats.
5 months ago
