OXFORD, Ohio-- During an on-field recognition at last Saturday's sold-out Miami Football game, Karli Spaid learned that Miami Athletics would retire her No. 7 softball jersey. Spaid becomes the first student-athlete in Miami Softball history to have a number retired. A formal unveiling will occur at a later date.
 
Spaid, a 2024 graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Sport Leadership and Management, played professionally this summer for Athletes Unlimited after being selected seventh overall in the AU draft this spring.
 
As a senior at Miami, Spaid led the nation in home runs with 36, becoming just the second player in Division I softball history to hit 100 career homers. She was a top-10 finalist for USA Softball's National Player of the Year, won MAC Player of the Year and was named a First-Team All-American by Softball America and D1Softball. Spaid produced a .407 batting average and led the nation with a 1.102 slugging percentage in the 2024 season, driving in 78 runs. She was named an Academic All-American and was selected as Miami's Female Athlete of the Year. Spaid helped the RedHawks claim MAC regular-season and tournament titles, advance to the NCAA Tournament for the fourth year in a row and earn the first national Top-25 ranking in program history.
 
Spaid is a four-time First-Team All-MAC selection and a four-time First-Team All-Region pick. She was named MAC Tournament MVP in 2023 and again in 2024. Spaid ranks first in Miami history in career batting average (.395), runs scored (253), hits (274), home runs (103) and RBI (258). Her .924 slugging percentage is the fifth-best mark in NCAA history. During Spaid's four years wearing the Red and White, Miami Softball won 174 games, lost 56, and tied one. In Mid-American Conference play, the RedHawks went 107-16 (.870).

"Having my number retired is a profound honor that signifies four years of dedication and extremely hard work. I am proud to say that I have given my absolute all to this program," Spaid said. "I want to thank my teammates, coaches, and family for all of their support and constant belief in me. Miami Softball and the number 7 will forever hold a special place in my heart."