Netflix Catfish Star Excels in College Softball

Netflix recently released a gripping documentary called “Unknown Number: The High School Catfish,” which tells the story of Lauryn Licari and Owen McKenny, two Michigan teenagers who endured cyberbullying for almost two years by anonymous numbers. The documentary follows their struggles and the impact it had on their lives, with their parents, friends, and high school staff sharing their perspective on the situation.

A significant part of Lauryn’s story in the documentary revolves around her love for softball, a sport she excelled in and was coached by her mother, Kendra Licari. However, the plot takes a surprising turn when it’s revealed that Lauryn’s mother was actually the one behind the cruel messages. Kendra was arrested in December 2022 and later pleaded guilty to stalking charges, resulting in a sentence of 19 months to five years in prison. Despite this trauma, Lauryn has been working on healing and getting closer to her father, Shawn Licari, bonding over playing catch and practicing softball skills.

Now 18 years old, Lauryn graduated from Beal City High School in 2024, where she made a name for herself on the varsity softball team. She has since joined the Mid Michigan College softball roster as a freshman for the 2025-26 season. During her senior year at Beal City, Lauryn showcased her talent as a catcher and middle infielder, boasting impressive stats like a .333 batting average, .425 on-base percentage, 21 hits, nine RBIs, and 14 runs. Her stellar defensive skills ranked her among the top players in Michigan, Division 4, and the Highland league.

With Lauryn’s exceptional track record in high school and travel ball, she is expected to make a significant impact on the Mid Michigan College Lakers. The team is coming off a historic 2024 season, finishing as runners-up in the NJCAA Region 12 Great Lakes District A Tournament with a school-record 26 wins. As Lauryn embarks on this new chapter in her softball career, her focus is on the game she loves and building a fulfilling college experience.

Despite the challenges she faced in her past, Lauryn is determined to write her own story and continue shining on the softball field. Her resilience and dedication to the sport are evident in her successes, and the future looks bright for this talented athlete as she moves forward with her college softball career.