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Laura Berg
Laura Berg
Laura Berg
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Laura Kay Berg (born January 6, 1975) is an American college softball head coach for Oregon State and a former collegiate four-time All-American and Olympian.[3] She played for the Fresno State Bulldogs from 1994–98, where she won the 1998 Women's College World Series and owns the Western Athletic Conference career records in hits, runs and triples.[4] She is one of only four women to have won four Olympic medals in softball, having won a medal at every Olympics the sport was contested.[5] She is second all-time in NCAA Division I career hits and at-bats. She is also a USA Softball Hall of Fame honoree.

Key Information

Fresno State

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Berg was born in Whittier, California and raised in nearby Santa Fe Springs, graduating from Santa Fe High School in 1993.[6][7] Berg and her twin sister enrolled at Fresno State and started for the school's softball team. In her first season, she was named a National Fastpitch Coaches Association Third Team All-American.[8] The Bulldogs made it to the WCWS and took their first game before dropping back-to-back shutout games against eventual champions the Arizona Wildcats and the Oklahoma State Cowgirls on May 27, 1994.[9][10] Berg had two hits in the tournament.

As a sophomore, Berg would earn First Team All-American honors while hitting over .400 and setting a new school season record for triples, which also led the WAC conference.[11] She currently still claims that record.

After red-shirting to compete at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Berg returned and once again earned NFCA First Team honors.[12] She joined school elite with top-5 season records in batting average, hits (led the WAC), doubles and triples. She also managed to reach the 7th best season hits total all-time for an NCAA season, which now ranks in the top-15.

In her second WCWS appearance, Berg and the Bulldogs were shutout in their first game but rebounded strongly by winning their next three including shutting out eventual champion Arizona Wildcats in the semifinals. Berg hit a double and scored the eventual winning run.[13] In the second game of the doubleheader, Berg singled in her first two at-bats and scored each time to take the lead, however, Arizona tied the score immediately and went on to win 6–3 on May 25, 1997.[14]

For her senior campaign, Berg was named 1998 First Team All-American for a final time.[15] The senior achieved a career best batting average (led the WAC as well as a school record in runs. Her stolen bases ranked top-5 for a Bulldog season. Beginning April 17 until May 8, Berg would go on a 29 consecutive game hit streak, a career best and the NCAA's 6th best all-time.

Returning to the WCWS, the team began its march by defeating the Nebraska Cornhuskers 6–1 on May 21 with Berg scoring the eventual winning run.[16] They mercy ruled Michigan Wolverines before losing to the Washington Huskies in the semifinals on May 24.[17] Berg and teammates responded by besting the Huskies by 5 runs in the rematch, Berg led off with a single and helped stake the Bulldogs to a first-inning two-run lead to make it into their school's 5th finals appearance.

Berg had a hit and won the title on teammate Nina Lindenberg's solo home run to defeat the two-time defending champions the Arizona Wildcats.[18] For the tournament, Berg hit .470 (8/17) with 2 RBIs to be named All-Tournament.[19]

Berg would graduate as the school career record holder in hits, triples, runs and stolen bases.[20][7] She also was tops in conference career hits, triples, runs, at-bats as well as the third best average all-time.[21] Her NCAA career puts her second in hits and at-bats all-time for a career.[22]

National team

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Berg would also join the United States national team in 1994, participating in the 1994 ISF Women's World Championship, where the US team won the gold medal.[7] Berg redshirted at Fresno State in 1996, the year that she won her first Olympic gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.[7] In 1998, she won her second gold medal at the world championships.[2] At the 1999 Pan American Games Berg performed well in the gold medal effort, batting .375 for the tournament with 15 hits.[2] In the 2000 Summer Olympics Berg drove in the winning run in the 8th inning of the gold medal game.[7]

From 2000 to 2003 she participated at tournaments with the national team.[7] She added gold medals at the 2002 World Championships and 2003 Pan American Games to her resume, batting .471 in the Pan-Americans.[2] In the 2004 Athens Olympics she started eight of the nine games, batting .368, and held a perfect fielding average.[2] In the gold medal game on August 23, Berg had a hit in the eventual win over Australia.[23] In 2006 Berg won her fourth consecutive World Championship in Beijing.[2] Berg's four World Championship appearances is a record for the event.[2]

In 2007 Berg returned to her third Pan American Games, where she won another gold medal, and was chosen to carry the U.S. flag during the closing ceremonies.[2] At the 2008 Summer Olympics, she captured a silver medal with the Team USA,[2] the only time in Olympic history the United States did not win the gold medal.[24] Berg did not play in the gold medal game but did hit .500 for the tournament highlighted by a diving catch to save Monica Abbott's perfect game vs. the Netherlands on August 17. After the finals, Berg along with teammates retired from international competition.[25]

Coaching

[edit]

Berg joined the staff at the Oregon State Beavers program in 2011. In 2012, she helped coach them to a regional appearance.[26]

She was named Oregon State's head coach on August 27, 2012.[26]

Personal life

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Berg was an assistant coach at Fresno State from 2000–2003, as she continued to participate with Team USA. She returned to her alma mater coaching staff for 2005 and 2006 seasons.[7] Eventually she left her post to train with the national team. Berg was invited to be an assistant coach with Team USA in 2012, helping them win a World Cup.[27]

In 2006, Berg was named to 25th Anniversary WCWS Team.[28] In 2012, she along with her 2004 Team USA teammates were named to the Olympics Hall of Fame.[29]

Awards and honors

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  • 2005 International Sports Invitational Champion
  • 2001 Played for WPSL Gold Professional Team consisting of 2000 Olympians
  • WAC Champions – Fresno State
  • Second FSU player to record 100 or more hits in a season
  • 4-Time NFCA All-American (3 First-Team; Third-Team)
  • 4-Time NCAA All-Regional Team
  • 25th WCWS Anniversary Team
  • Olympic Hall of Fame (2004 Team USA)
  • Fresno County Athletic Hall of Fame (2009)[30]

Statistics

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Fresno State Bulldogs

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Berg attempting to catch a ball during practice.
YEAR G AB R H BA RBI HR 3B 2B TB SLG BB SO SB SBA
1994 65 238 42 83 .348 20 2 5 4 103 .433% 4 8 5 6
1995 69 238 62 101 .424 31 1 11 13 139 .584% 10 3 11 13
1997 69 245 69 104 .424 34 2 7 16 140 .571% 5 2 7 8
1998 63 236 72 108 .457 16 1 2 3 118 .500% 2 4 16 17
TOTALS 266 957 245 396 .414 101 6 25 36 500 .522% 21 17 39 44

Team USA

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YEAR AB R H BA RBI HR 3B 2B TB SLG BB SO SB SBA
1996 22 2 6 .272 0 0 0 1 7 .318% 0 0 0 0
2000 38 2 6 .158 0 0 0 0 6 .158% 0 2 0 0
2004 130 37 47 .361 23 2 1 3 55 .423% 2 2 4 4
2008 100 59 46 .460 11 0 2 4 54 .540% 7 3 1 2
TOTALS 290 100 105 .362 34 2 3 8 125 .431% 9 7 5 6

Head coaching record

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Statistics overview
Season Team Overall Conference Standing Postseason
Oregon State Beavers (Pac-12 Conference) (2013–present)
2013 Oregon State 34–24 8–16 8th NCAA Regional
2014 Oregon State 18–31 5–17 7th
2015 Oregon State 26–26 6–18 8th
2016 Oregon State 30–20–1 9–14 7th NCAA Regional
2017 Oregon State 28–27 9–15 T–6th NCAA Regional
2018 Oregon State 30–28 9–14 6th NCAA Regional
2019 Oregon State 26–19 8–14 6th
2020 Oregon State 17–9 0–0 Season canceled due to COVID-19
2021 Oregon State 20–26 7–17 7th
2022 Oregon State 39–22 9–15 6th Women's College World Series
Oregon State: 268–232–1 (.536) 70–140 (.333)
Total: 268–232–1 (.536)

      National champion         Postseason invitational champion  
      Conference regular season champion         Conference regular season and conference tournament champion
      Division regular season champion       Division regular season and conference tournament champion
      Conference tournament champion

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Laura Berg

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Laura Berg (born January 6, 1976, in Whittier, California) is a retired American outfielder and coach widely recognized as one of the greatest defensive outfielders in softball history. She starred as an outfielder for the from 1994 to 1998, helping the team win the 1998 national championship, and played a key role for the United States women's national softball team, earning four , including gold medals at the 1996 Atlanta, 2000 Sydney, and 2004 Athens Olympics, and a silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, making her the most decorated softball Olympian in history. Berg's collegiate career at was marked by exceptional defensive play and leading the team to the 1998 national championship. She transitioned to the international stage with the U.S. national team, where her elite outfield skills and consistency helped secure three consecutive in a sport that debuted at the Games in 1996, followed by a silver medal in 2008. Following her playing career, Berg remained involved in as a coach, passing on her expertise to future generations of players. Her accomplishments place her among the most decorated figures in the history of , combining , four , and lasting impact through coaching.

Early life and college career

High school career

Laura Berg attended Santa Fe High School in Santa Fe Springs, California, where she played softball as an outfielder and developed into one of the top prospects in the region. During her time at Santa Fe High School, she was known for her exceptional defensive skills and speed in the outfield, earning all-league and All-CIF Southern Section honors. Her standout performances helped the Chiefs achieve success in competitive high school play in , showcasing the elite defensive abilities that would define her later career. Berg's high school success attracted attention from major college programs. Since specific detailed statistics from her high school years are not extensively documented in primary sources, the focus remains on her reputation as an elite defensive player and prospect prior to college.

Fresno State Bulldogs playing career

Laura Berg played for the Fresno State Bulldogs softball team from 1994 to 1998, serving as a four-year starter in center field. She was renowned for her elite defensive play in the , combining exceptional range, arm strength, and accuracy to shut down opposing base runners. Berg contributed to the championship in 1998. She helped Fresno State capture the national championship that year, anchoring the outfield defense in key tournament games. Her defensive prowess was instrumental in limiting opponents' offensive opportunities during the title run. Offensively, Berg was a consistent contributor, holding several batting records at Fresno State and ranking second all-time in NCAA Division I career hits and at-bats. She earned multiple All-American selections, reflecting her dual-threat capability. Her performance helped solidify Fresno State's national prominence during her tenure.

International playing career

United States national team

Laura Berg joined the United States women's national softball team in 1994, during her college career with the . She remained a member of the national team through 2004, serving as one of the primary outfielders and establishing herself as one of the premier defensive players in during that era. Her tenure included participation in major international competitions such as the and the ISF World Championships, where she contributed to multiple gold medal victories for the . Berg's exceptional range, arm strength, and defensive instincts were frequently highlighted as key factors in the team's success in these tournaments. In addition to her participation, Berg's role on the national team emphasized consistent defensive leadership in non-Olympic events, helping maintain the U.S. dominance in during the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Olympic achievements

Laura Berg was a key member of the United States women's national softball team across four consecutive Olympic Games, securing three gold medals and one silver medal. She helped the U.S. team capture the inaugural Olympic softball gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Games, where the sport debuted as an official event. Berg's exceptional outfield defense was instrumental in the team's undefeated run through the tournament. Berg repeated the feat at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, again contributing her elite defensive skills in the outfield as the U.S. team dominated the competition and claimed another gold medal. Her consistent performance in the outfield helped maintain the team's defensive strength throughout the Games. At the 2004 Athens Olympics, Berg earned her third consecutive Olympic gold medal with the U.S. team, further solidifying her reputation as one of the premier defensive outfielders in the sport's history. She was part of the squad that went undefeated in the tournament. Berg also competed at the 2008 Beijing Olympics as center fielder, where the U.S. team won the silver medal—the only non-gold finish for the United States in Olympic softball history. She played in seven games, batting .500 (3-for-6) with one RBI and two runs scored. Berg retired from international competition following the Games. Softball was discontinued as an Olympic sport after 2008 until its return in 2020. With three gold medals (1996, 2000, 2004) and one silver medal (2008), Berg is the only softball player to have won both three Olympic gold medals and four total Olympic medals, making her the most decorated softball Olympian.

Coaching career

Later coaching roles

Laura Berg joined Oregon State University as an assistant coach for the softball program prior to 2012 and was promoted to head coach in 2013. She has served in this role since then, entering her 13th year as head coach as of 2024. In her position as head coach of the Oregon State Beavers, Berg leverages her extensive experience as a player and coach to mentor players, particularly in outfield defense and overall team development. Her leadership has been highlighted as a key factor in strengthening the program's defensive expertise, given her reputation as one of softball's all-time great outfielders. She continues to contribute to the team's competitiveness and NCAA postseason appearances.

Awards and honors

Individual awards

Laura Berg was a four-time All-American during her playing career at , earning first-team honors from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) in 1993, 1994, and 1995. She was also a four-time All-Pac-10 selection and received multiple conference accolades for her defensive prowess and consistent performance in the . In recognition of her contributions to , Berg was inducted into the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame in 2007. During her coaching career, Berg received the Coach of the Year award in 2016 while at .

Team honors

Laura Berg contributed to numerous team championships during her playing career, including three titles with the and three with the United States national team. As an for UCLA from 1992 to 1995, she helped the capture NCAA Women's College World Series titles in 1992, 1994, and 1995. Berg also earned gold medals with the United States at the in , , and , where the team dominated international competition. During her head coaching tenure at from 2005 to 2015, the made multiple NCAA tournament appearances and achieved success in the , including conference championships in certain seasons, though no national titles were won under her leadership.

Legacy

Defensive reputation

Laura Berg is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive outfielders in history. Her exceptional range, quick reactions, and strong, accurate arm made her a dominant force in the during her collegiate and international career. Berg's defensive skills were frequently highlighted by coaches and media as a key factor in her teams' success. She was known for covering vast areas in , often turning potential into routine outs and preventing runners from advancing with her precise throws. Her ability to make difficult plays look effortless earned her praise as a player who could change the outcome of games with her alone. Retrospective evaluations consistently place Berg among the elite defenders in the sport, with her combination of speed, instincts, and arm strength setting a standard for in . Her reputation as a lockdown center fielder remains a benchmark for subsequent generations of players.

Influence on softball

Laura Berg's exceptional defensive prowess and subsequent coaching career have left a lasting mark on , particularly in shaping and player development. Her approach to the —emphasizing quick reads, precise throws, and exceptional range—has influenced training methods and raised the bar for defensive excellence in the sport. Through her coaching at and other roles, Berg has mentored young players, focusing on fundamentals and to help develop the next generation of athletes. Her emphasis on defensive fundamentals has contributed to broader improvements in collegiate and . As a key member of the U.S. national team during , Berg helped elevate the sport's visibility and popularity, inspiring greater participation and investment in on an international scale.
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