News Summary
The James Madison University softball team has canceled the remainder of their season following the tragic death of 20-year-old player Lauren Bernett. This difficult decision, made by the coaching staff, reflects the overwhelming grief impacting the team and community. The Dukes had recently finished a challenging season, and their focus will now shift to honoring Bernett’s memory and supporting each other through this tough time. The program aims to preserve her legacy while ensuring the well-being of their student-athletes.
Harrisonburg, Virginia – The James Madison University (JMU) softball team has officially canceled the remainder of their 2025 season following the tragic death of 20-year-old student-athlete Lauren Bernett. The decision was announced by the coaching staff and is a response to the overwhelming grief that has affected the team and the wider community.
According to the head coach, Loren LaPorte, this decision was described as “extremely difficult” and emphasized that it was made with careful consideration. The team has expressed gratitude for the tremendous support from fans and members of the softball community, acknowledging the love and solidarity shown during this challenging time.
Lauren Bernett’s passing has cast a shadow over what had been a challenging yet promising season for the Dukes, who finished with a record of 9 wins and 12 losses. Just before her death, Bernett was honored as the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Player of the Week due to her outstanding contributions on the field, showcasing her talent and dedication to the sport she loved.
Prior to the season’s cancellation, JMU faced a dramatic game against Coastal Carolina on April 27, 2025, ending in a narrow defeat with a score of 23-24. This match had notable performances from several players, including Cali Legzdin, who hit 1 double, 1 home run, and recorded 2 RBIs along with 1 run scored. Lexi Rogers also made headlines by contributing 1 home run, 1 RBI, and an additional run. Other standout players included Keirstin Roose, Libby Pippin, and Maddy Jennings, all of whom made significant contributions to the team’s performance.
The cancellation of the season serves as a poignant reminder of the personal and community losses that can occur within sports. While the team’s competitive spirit and resolve were evident in their performances, the emotional toll of Bernett’s passing overshadowed their achievements on the field. The coaching staff has stated that, moving forward, the focus will be on honoring Bernett’s memory by supporting each other and ensuring that academic commitments are fulfilled for the remainder of the semester.
Bernett was a rising star within the JMU softball program, widely recognized for her athletic prowess and leadership qualities. Her loss is felt deeply not only among her teammates but also within the university and the local community, with many mourning the loss of such a vibrant young talent.
The decision to cancel the season comes as part of a careful consideration of the emotional and mental well-being of the student-athletes. In sports, it is crucial for teams to prioritize the welfare of their players, especially in times of tragedy. It has been emphasized that support services will be provided to help the team cope with their grief and to foster a healing environment.
As the Dukes navigate this painful period, they aim to channel their collective grief into a commitment to remember Bernett while also ensuring that they complete the current academic semester with strength and resolve. The future of JMU softball now holds a ceremonial commitment to honor the life and legacy of Lauren Bernett, preserving her memory in the heart of the program and inspiring future generations of student-athletes.
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HERE Resources
Coastal Carolina University Celebrates Graduation of Chauncey
Additional Resources
- Vicksburg News: JMU Cancels Softball Season
- Wikipedia: James Madison University
- Coastal Carolina Sports: JMU vs Coastal Game
- Google Search: James Madison University softball
- JMU Sports: Softball Falls to Coastal Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Softball
- JMU Sports: Coach Jennifer Herzig Profile
- Google News: Lauren Bernett
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