On May 4, 2024, Carly Spade hit a record 36th home run, just one shy of the NCAA Division I all-time single-season mark set nearly three decades ago.
The feat tied the streak with 37 home runs since Arizona’s Laura Espinoza set the record in 1995. Since then, several elite power players have come close.
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Below is every DI player to score at least 30 runs in a single season in college softball history.
Complete list of college softball single-season home run leaders
| PLAYER | TEAM | YEAR | THE GAME | HOME RUNS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laura Espinoza | Arizona | 1995 | 72 | 37 |
| Carly Spade | Miami (OH) | The year 2024 | 58 | 36 |
| Hello Jocelyn | Oklahoma | The year 2022 | 62 | 34 |
| Hello Jocelyn | Oklahoma | 2021 | 60 | 34 |
| Addison Barnard | Wichita County | The year 2022 | 52 | 33 |
| Lexi Elkins | Louisiana | 2015 | 54 | 32 |
| Camilla Carrera | UTEP | 2012 | 53 | 32 |
| Stacey Chambers | Arizona | 2009 | 63 | 31 |
| Corey McMillan | Virginia Tech | The year 2025 | 56 | 31 |
| Stacey Nuveman | UCLA | 1999 | 69 | 31 |
| Hello Jocelyn | Oklahoma | 2018 | 62 | 30 |
| Megan Baltsell | Longwood | 2013 | 61 | 30 |
| Lauren Chamberlain | Oklahoma | 2013 | 61 | 30 |
| Lauren Chamberlain | Oklahoma | 2012 | 64 | 30 |
| Kelly Miami | Hawaii | 2010 | 66 | 30 |
| Daniel Gomez | Louisiana | 2006 | 62 | 30 |
| Laura Espinoza | Arizona | 1994 | 66 | 30 |
Single season slugging legends
Laura Espinoza | Arizona, 1995
Espinoza’s 1995 season remains the gold standard for NCAA power play. She had 37 home runs in 72 games and helped lead a powerhouse Arizona team to the Women’s College World Series. Espinoza also set the NCAA DI single-season records for RBI (132) and total bases (232), both of which still stand.
Karlie Spade | Miami (OH), 2024
Spade has entered only once in its history in 2024. His 36 home runs tied the MAC single-season record and are second all-time nationally. He led Division I in home runs that season, cementing his legacy as one of the most accomplished hitters of modern times.
The moment that made Carly Spade history 📽️#RiseUpRedHawks pic.twitter.com/Z98N6xKgOX
— Miami Softball (@MiamiOH_SB) April 24, 2024
Jocelyn Hello | Oklahoma, 2021 & 2022
The NCAA’s all-time home run queen showed off her power with a 34-homer season during Oklahoma’s dominant run. Alo was named the USA Softball College Player of the Year and the Sooners won WCWS titles in both 2021 and 2022.
Addison Barnard | Wichita State, 2022
Barnard scored 33 home runs in just 52 games, an impressive single-game pace. He helped Wichita rise to become an in-state contender as the nation’s second-ranked slugger in the 2022 season.
Lexi Elkins | Louisiana, 2015
Elkins led the Ragin’ Cajuns in 54 games with 32 homers, 83 runs and a 1.077 slugging percentage in 2015. His incredible bat speed and compact swing made him a nightmare for pitchers across the country.
Camilla Carrera | UTEP, 2012
Carrera’s 32-home run season in 2012 received little national attention, but it was one of the most efficient power performances in NCAA history. He won more than 60 percent of his games and led the nation in tackles that year (1,199).
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