Lauren Johnson has carried Centennial High School's softball tradition from Franklin to the University of Alabama, building a highly successful college career rooted in the speed, power and versatility that made her a standout for the Cougars.

The 5-foot-6 outfielder bats and throws right-handed and wears No. 88 for the Crimson Tide. After completing her junior season in 2026, she is listed as a senior on Alabama's 2027 roster.

A 2023 Centennial graduate, Johnson established school records for RBIs, home runs, runs scored and career batting average. Her honors included 2021 District Rookie of the Year, 2022 District MVP, first-team All-Midstate recognition and 2022 Middle Tennessee Softball Player of the Year.

She also earned Tennessee Sports Writers Association Class 4A all-state honors as a senior.Centennial's posted 2023 statistics illustrate her impact: a .603 batting average, .674 on-base percentage, 47 hits, 50 runs, 34 RBIs, eight home runs and 26 stolen bases. Her production combined extra-base power with the ability to create opportunities on the bases.

Johnson signed with Alabama in November 2022, joining older sister Jenna in Tuscaloosa. Coach Patrick Murphy praised her speed, power, instincts and defensive ability. Their reunion marked the first time sisters played together in Alabama softball history.

As a freshman in 2024, Lauren appeared in 47 games with 31 starts and earned SEC Co-Freshman of the Week honors on Feb. 12. One of her biggest moments came in the NCAA Super Regional at Tennessee: her pinch-hit single in the 14th inning helped set up her eventual game-winning run.

She hit .344 in 2025, totaling 32 hits, seven doubles, 26 RBIs and 24 runs in 47 appearances. Against LSU that April, she batted .625 across the series and delivered four RBIs in the finale.In 2026, Johnson played 53 games, started 33 and hit .268 with 22 hits, three doubles, a triple, three home runs and 15 RBIs.

She homered in the opener against Villanova and matched her career high with three hits against Jacksonville State. From record-setting Cougar to experienced SEC outfielder, Johnson continues to represent Franklin on one of college softball's biggest stages.