In 1997, Auburn softball competed in its inaugural season. Throughout the 2022 campaign, we are celebrating the many faces, moments and victories that have shaped our program over the last 25 years.
As part of our 25 Years of Auburn Softball celebration, we're checking in with alumni from every era of the program to share their memories of being a Tiger.
An All-American behind the dish, Sara Dean (2002-05) made a splash early as the 2002 Co-SEC Freshman of the Year. The Valencia, California, native earned First Team All-SEC honors in 2004 and 2005.
Q: Why did you decide to continue your softball career at Auburn?
Dean: Being on campus for my recruiting trip just made me feel like this was the right place for me. Moving from California to Alabama - away from everything I knew - was going to be hard, but I knew I could do anything for a year. HANDS DOWN best decision of my life.
Q: What is your favorite on-field memory?
Dean: Hitting a grand slam off LSU pitcher Brittney Sneed, making Regionals for the first time in Auburn's history and being on the field daily with some of my best friends.
Q: What do you consider your biggest accomplishment during your collegiate career – on or off the field?
Dean: Helping take our program to the next level with Regional appearances and earning the right to host Regionals, graduating with higher than a 3.5 grade point average while being a student-athlete and just having the honor to play for such an amazing university.
Q: What is one of your favorite memories with a teammate?
Dean: Bus rides with the crew.
Q: Looking back at your career, what is one word you'd use to describe it?
Dean: One word. Ugh, that's hard. I guess I would say an honor -- to be able to continue to play after high school, at an amazing university, with teammates that became best friends and family.
Q: Who influenced your softball career the most?
Dean: My parents for giving me the opportunity to play at all levels and Bruce Richardson and Doug Meyers my travel ball coaches.
Q: What was your favorite uniform combo?
Dean: All navy blues (senior year), and I loved the old-school orange jersey with grey pants.
Q: What advice would you give to current/future Auburn softball student-athletes?
Dean: Don't take any of it for granted. Put in the work to be the best you can be. Days are LOOONG, but the years are so short.
Q: If you can give a message to the Auburn Family, what would it be?
Dean: War Eagle!!! No other college family I would want to be a part of.
Q: What degree did you earn? What is your current career path?
Dean: Human development and family studies. I am currently a stay-at-home mom for three kids, ages eight, seven and two. I help with our recreational softball league where both my daughters play.
Alumni Spotlight: Sara Dean
