Lauren Lucas Thornhill is in her first season as Director of Player Development for the Shocker softball program.
She remains on staff after spending the 2026 season as a graduate manager.
The Little Elm, Texas native has been a fixture for Shocker softball since her playing days from 2021-25. She was a three-year starter that earned First Team All-Conference honors three times and was a Softball America Third Team All-American in 2023. Thornhill was a member of two American Conference championship teams, while helping the Shockers to three straight NCAA Regional appearances from 2021-23.
She left Wichita State on several single season and career Top 10 lists, while her career .377 batting average is second highest in program history.
Since graduating from Wichita State, she has spent time playing professionally in Mexico and with the New York Rise and Kansas City Diamonds.
She resides in Wichita with her husband, Sawyre.
