Mackin Announces Her Retirement from Softball

After meeting with Nebraska medical staff, junior Robin Mackin has decided to retire from the sport of softball. Mackin underwent season-ending shoulder surgery last season and pitched with increasing pain in the shoulder throughout this season.<?xml:namespace prefix="o" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"?>

Mackin has enjoyed a decorated career on the diamond. She was an All-American on the field and in the classroom at Fresno State in 2007 and then competed for Team Canada at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. This season for the Huskers, Mackin has compiled a 12-13 record with a 2.61 ERA and 154 strikeouts in 142.1 innings. She was 11-9 with a 1.83 ERA after throwing 5.0 scoreless innings at Kansas on April 14 before the pain in her shoulder became more intense. At that point, Mackin had allowed only one earned run in her last four starts and only three earned runs in her last six starts.

Mackin will remain in school as she works to complete her undergraduate degree in psychology/pre-med. With a 4.0 cumulative grade-point average, Mackin is still eligible for CoSIDA Academic All-America honors this spring.

Robin Mackin on her retirement from softball
"This was an extremely tough decision for me to make, and it is a very emotional time. I came to Nebraska to be a part of a rich tradition of softball and help this team make it back to a Women's College World Series. I am deeply sorry to the fans for my inability to contribute to this program and University the way I intended. I have had a passion for this sport since the age of eight and have always dreamed of having the opportunity to play Division I softball. I was able to fulfill part of that dream during my previous two years of college but unfortunately my ability to complete my eligibility as a Husker has not worked out as I intended. Having said that, I will always be grateful for the experiences I have been given. I am proud to be a Husker and associated with such a wonderful athletic program."

Husker Head Coach Rhonda Revelle on Mackin's retirement
"Robin is a fierce competitor, and I know this was a tough decision for her. Robin has been an All-American on the field and in the classroom and we know she had high hopes for this season. After meeting with the medical staff, she decided it was time to step away from the game due to increased pain as a result of shoulder surgery. We fully support Robin's decision, and we wish her the best of luck as she focuses on her academics. She is a tremendously dedicated student, and we wish her success as she pursues her career goal of becoming a physician."