Playing with Purpose: Lauren Lucas

For Kansas City Diamonds outfielder Lauren Lucas, softball has never been just about performance. It’s about perspective, perseverance and passion for a game that has shaped her entire life.

“As I continued to play and get better, I fell more and more in love with the game,” Lucas said. “Whatever is going on in your life, you can leave it behind and enjoy time with friends.”

Her love for the game didn’t come instantly. Introduced to the sport at a young age by her parents, both former players, Lucas grew up around softball, but her path wasn’t easy. In the early years, she remembers being one of the weakest players on the field.

“In travel ball, everyone around me was always better than me,” Lucas said. “I was tired of it, so I worked really hard so that I could compete at a higher level.”

That drive to improve became the foundation of her career. From committing later than her peers to Wichita State to barely seeing playing time as a freshman in college, Lucas embraced the role she knows best.

“I’ve been a perpetual underdog,” Lucas said. “Even if you’re not supposed to win, it doesn’t mean you can’t.”

Originally a pitcher, Lucas transitioned into the outfield during her recruiting process. What began as a backup plan quickly became something she took pride in.

“I played outfield because I needed something else to do when I wasn’t pitching,” Lucas said. “If I’m going to be an outfielder, I want to be the best that I can be.”

That mindset helped her grow into a key contributor at Wichita State, where her work ethic became a defining trait. Teammates and coaches recognized her consistency and commitment, qualities that carried her through both success and adversity.

Her journey, however, was far from smooth. During the 2023 season, Lucas suffered an injury later leading her to redshirt in her 2024 season, sidelining her from playing. Instead of stepping away, she leaned into the experience, helping the coaching staff and gaining a deeper understanding of the game beyond the field.

“I learned a lot of the behind-the-scenes,” Lucas said. “The players playing the game are really important, but there’s other people behind the scenes that matter just as much.”

The time away also challenged her mentally. In one of the most defining moments of her career, Lucas battled anxiety before a game but still delivered a standout performance, hitting two home runs and helping her team secure a win.

“I was able to come out on the other end of it and succeed and help my team win that game,” Lucas said.

Moments like that reinforced a lesson she has carried throughout her career: failure is part of the process.

“This is a game of failure,” Lucas said. “Especially as a hitter, you’re really good if you fail seven out of 10 times. If it’s a bad day at the plate, the next day doesn’t have to look the same way.”

Now, Lucas is taking those lessons to the professional level with the KC Diamonds. This league represents a growing opportunity for athletes to continue their careers in the United States, something that hasn’t always been widely available.

“It’s the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do,” Lucas said. “And I’m really lucky to get to do it beyond college.”

As part of the Diamonds, Lucas is not only focused on competing but also on building connections within the community. She understands that professional softball depends on more than just talent, but requires support from fans and engagement beyond the field.

“When I first started playing professionally, I started to understand that fan engagement matters,” Lucas said. “We need fans to be there or it makes no sense. The community gets to know us and values us as people, not just players.”

That sense of purpose extends into her life off the field. As a graduate assistant at Wichita State, Lucas balances coaching responsibilities with earning her master’s degree, continuing to give back to the program that helped shape her.

“Being a student-athlete is definitely not for the weak,” Lucas said.

Still, she approaches every opportunity with gratitude, a mindset reinforced by her support system. From her parents, who never missed a game regardless of her role, to her husband, who reminds her to appreciate every moment.

“My husband has been really great about reminding me how blessed I am to play this sport,” Lucas said. “There’s a lot of people who don’t get the opportunity to play professionally.”

As her career continues, Lucas hopes her journey resonates with younger players who may feel overlooked or uncertain about their future.

“I want younger players to know that they can do it too,” Lucas said. “You’re on the ride or you get off of it.”

For Lucas, staying on that ride has made all the difference. What started as a struggle to keep up has turned into a career built on resilience, growth and an unwavering love for the game.

“The game has given me so much,” Lucas said. “So I try to give the game everything that I have every time that I get to play.”

Lucas is ready to take the field, this time as a Diamond.