It was certainly no secret to Chico State softball fans that Brooke Larsen provided the key to the Wildcats' on-field success in 2022. The righthander's dominating mastery in the pitcher's circle led the 'Cats secure their sixth straight NCAA Tournament appearance, while at the same time establishing Larsen as a permanent fixture in the program's career record book. Her many achievements earned the Chico State Senior Female Athlete of the Year Award from the Chico Enterprise-Record, and yet another Wildcat of the Week award.
The numbers Larsen put up during the 2022 season speak for themselves: a 19-6 won-lost record, with a California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA)-leading 1.34 earned run average. She also led all conference pitchers in complete games (23), shutouts (11), and strikeouts (239), while holding opposing hitters to a conference-low .186 batting average.
The awards were quick to follow: during the 2022 season, Larsen was twice named the CCAA Pitcher of the Week, and at the end of the campaign was the recipient of the CCAA Most Valuable Pitcher award and a First Team All-CCAA selection. The Sacramento product earned First Team All-West Region by both the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) and the Division II Conference Commissioner's Association, and wrapped up the spring with NFCA Second Team All-America honors.
As a result, Larsen's career pitching stats will occupy a place high in the Chico State softball record books. Despite only two-and-a-half years of action, Larsen holds the school record for career ERA (1.49), most strikeouts per seven innings pitched (7.96), and least hits allowed through seven innings (4.68), while ranking among the top five Wildcats hurlers all-time in wins (third, 48), strikeouts (third, 480), shutouts (third, 23), and complete games (fourth, 53).
Brooke Larsen may be the latest Wildcat of the Week…but the magic she weaved in the pitcher's circle will be remembered for years to come.
