Derkowski Added to AUSL's Talon Roster as Reserve
5/22/2025 1:36:00 PM | Softball
ROSEMONT, Ill. -- University of Michigan graduate Lauren Derkowski has signed to compete in the inaugural Athletes Unlimited Softball League season as part of the Talons squad, the team announced on Thursday (May 22). Derkowski, along with two other players, were added as reserves for the start of the AUSL schedule while three members of the Talons finish up their play in the Japan Diamond Softball League.
Derkowski just completed her senior season with the Wolverines, posting a 17-13 record with a 2.75 earned-run average, 165 strikeouts and six complete-game shutouts with six more combined shutouts. She was named to the NFCA All-Great Lakes Region first team and the Big Ten Tournament's Most Outstanding Player for the second straight season after going 3-0 with a 1.11 ERA and 12 strikeouts over the tournament run.
In her four seasons at Michigan, Derkowski was a two-time All-Big Ten honoree, earning first-team honors in 2024, and three times earned NFCA All-Region selection. She posted a 57-40 career record with a 2.35 ERA, 14 shutouts, 653 strikeouts and a .218 average against. Her strikeout total places her ninth among Michigan's all-time program leaders.
Launching in June, AUSL is a professional women's softball league featuring four teams playing a 24-game season in a traditional format. The league is complemented by the AUSL All-Star Cup -- a four-week season where 60 athletes compete utilizing Athletes Unlimited's innovative format.
Fellow Michigan alum Sierra Romero (2013-16) will also compete in the inaugural AUSL season this summer as a member of the Volts squad.
The Talons will open the season against the Bandits on Saturday, June 7, in Rosemont, Ill.
