Category: Oklahoma Sooners

In a significant move for the University of Oklahoma’s softball program, Jocelyn Erickson, one of the sport’s rising stars, has announced her transfer to the Sooners. Erickson, known for her explosive bat and stellar defensive skills, is expected to make an immediate impact and bolster OU’s championship aspirations for the upcoming season.

Erickson, who previously played for a competitive program, made waves with her impressive statistics and consistent performance. Her ability to hit for power, coupled with her versatility in the field, makes her a valuable addition to an already formidable roster. Over the past seasons, she has gained recognition for her leadership and work ethic, and her transfer to OU is seen as a major coup for the Sooners.

The decision to join Oklahoma is a reflection of Erickson’s desire to compete at the highest level of collegiate softball. As the defending national champions, the Sooners have a track record of developing top talent and competing for titles year after year. With their already loaded lineup, Erickson’s presence adds another layer of depth, making them even more dangerous on both sides of the ball.

OU Head Coach Patty Gasso expressed excitement over the addition, noting Erickson’s potential to elevate the team’s offensive and defensive performances. “Jocelyn brings a dynamic skill set to our program, and we’re thrilled to welcome her to the Sooners family,” Gasso said.

As the season approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Erickson will mesh with her new teammates and help propel Oklahoma to another championship run. The addition of a player of her caliber only adds to the growing anticipation surrounding OU Softball’s season.

Keilani Ricketts, a prominent figure in collegiate softball and former University of Oklahoma pitcher, has been arrested following serious allegations made by her boyfriend. The arrest has sent shockwaves through the sports community, given Ricketts’ esteemed reputation and significant contributions to the sport.

Ricketts, who was named the USA Softball Player of the Year for two consecutive seasons in 2012 and 2013, has been a role model for aspiring athletes. Her arrest has raised concerns among fans and fellow athletes alike.

Details surrounding the arrest remain limited, with authorities withholding specific information to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation. The boyfriend’s accusations have not been publicly disclosed, and Ricketts has yet to make a statement regarding the incident.

The sports community is closely monitoring the situation, awaiting further updates from law enforcement and legal representatives. Given Ricketts’ status as a former collegiate athlete and her involvement in various sports initiatives, the case has garnered widespread attention.

As the investigation progresses, it is crucial to respect the privacy of all individuals involved and allow the legal process to unfold. Further information will be provided as it becomes available.

Oklahoma Sooners softball star Jordy Bahl has been officially recognized as the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) of the 2025-26 NCAA Draft class. Bahl’s meteoric rise as a dominant pitcher has made her the most anticipated prospect heading into the next draft.

The announcement comes after an extraordinary collegiate career, where Bahl showcased unmatched athleticism, precision, and leadership on the mound. Her dominance in the circle helped propel the Sooners to multiple national titles, including a standout performance in the 2024 season. Bahl has been instrumental in Oklahoma’s back-to-back championships, earning All-American honors and setting numerous records along the way.

Her performance statistics are nothing short of remarkable: an incredible strikeout rate, sub-1.00 ERA, and a near-perfect win-loss record have solidified her legacy as one of the most dominant pitchers in NCAA history. Scouts and analysts alike have dubbed her as an unparalleled talent, capable of changing the trajectory of any professional team she joins.

Bahl’s recognition as the G.O.A.T. highlights not just her statistical prowess but also her leadership qualities. Known for her calm under pressure, Bahl has been a crucial figure in mentoring younger teammates and maintaining Oklahoma’s dominance in the sport. Her poise and competitive spirit have earned her comparisons to some of the greatest athletes in history.

With the 2025-26 NCAA Draft fast approaching, all eyes will be on Jordy Bahl, whose next steps in professional softball are expected to make history. As the G.O.A.T. of this draft class, her future looks brighter than ever.

Patty Gasso, the esteemed head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners softball team, has announced her resignation, ending a remarkable tenure that spanned nearly three decades.

Under her leadership, the Sooners secured eight national championships, including an unprecedented four consecutive titles from 2021 to 2024.

Gasso’s coaching journey began in 1995, and over the years, she transformed Oklahoma into a powerhouse in collegiate softball.

Her innovative coaching methods and ability to adapt to evolving game dynamics were instrumental in the team’s success.

Notably, she embraced her players’ expressive styles, fostering a culture of freedom and self-expression on the field.

In a statement, Gasso expressed gratitude for her time at Oklahoma, stating, “My best memories come through this conference, and I hope to create more memories going into the SEC.”

This remark reflects her anticipation of new challenges, as the Sooners are set to join the Southeastern Conference in 2025.

Gasso’s departure marks the end of an era for Oklahoma softball. Her legacy includes not only national titles but also a profound impact on the sport, inspiring countless athletes and coaches.

As the Sooners prepare for the upcoming season, they will undoubtedly feel the absence of a coach who was synonymous with excellence and success.

For a deeper insight into Gasso’s vision for the team’s future, you can watch her recent interview below.

The Sooners used a pair of five-run innings to overwhelm the Cal State Fullerton Titans on Friday night.

On the same day Isabella Smith pitched a five inning perfect game, Patty Gasso opted to use virtually her entire pitching staff.

Four different Sooners saw action in the circle in OU’s evening contest against Cal State Fullerton, but the result was the same.

No. 2 Oklahoma prevailed over the Titans 13-3 at Anderson Family Field in Fullerton, CA, to move the Sooners to 4-0 on the year.

While the pitching staff executed their game plan to perfection, true freshman shortstop Gabbie Garcia stole the show in the fourth inning.

She hit her first collegiate home run — a one out grand slam — to bust the game open.

Garcia’s no-doubter followed an RBI-single from Cydney Sanders to put OU up 5-0, and the visitors never looked back.

The scoring flurry came after the Sooners only recorded one hit in the first three innings, but OU still found ways to get runners on base.

Outfielder Abby Dayton wore the first pitch of the game, but Oklahoma stranded a pair of runners in the first. Sanders drew a two-out walk in the second, but the Sooners’ contact on pitches seemed to always find its way to a Cal State Fullerton glove.

Things finally came together in the fourth.

Ailana Agbayani got aboard with a walk and OU catcher Isabela Emerling wore a pitch to put two runners on. A fielding error loaded the bases up for Oklahoma and Sanders and Garcia inflicted their damage from there.

Dayton got hit again and another pair of walks loaded the bases for a second time in the fourth inning, this time with two outs for Agbayani.

The Sooners were unable to pile on any further, however, as Agbayani struck out swinging.

While the offense overpowered the Titans, Gasso and associate head coach and pitching coach Jennifer Rocha’s pitching staff handled business in the circle.

Veteran left-hander Kierston Deal started things off. She faced just six batters, recording five outs and allowing one hit, before making way for right-hander Paytn Monticelli in the second inning.

Monticelli sat down both batters she faced before Gasso then handed the ball to freshman Audrey Lowry.

Lowry cruised through the end of the third and the fourth inning, but Nataly Lozano dinged the lefty for a three-run shot in the bottom of the fifth to cut Oklahoma’s advantage to 5-3.

Gasso let Lowry take on eight batters before turning to Louisiana transfer Sam Landry. Lowry struck out three batters and allowed three hits, including a double off the top of the outfield wall and the home run.

Another pair of hit batters helped OU load the bases up again in the sixth inning for freshman Sydney Barker.

She hit a chopper to second base, and Cal State Fullerton tried to throw out Dayton at home, but the throw was late.

The ball sprayed past catcher Alexia Lopez, allowing Ella Parker to sneak home as well in a close play at the plate to push the lead back out to 7-3.

In the ensuing at-bat, Emerling belted a three-run shot to make the advantage 10-3.

Landry allowed just one single in the sixth, then Barker tacked on three more runs in the top of the seventh with her first career home run.

Parker brought home her first honor as a member of the Southeastern Conference with her dazzling debut during the Sooners’ opening trip to California.

NORMAN — Oklahoma sophomore Ella Parker was named Southeastern Conference Softball Co-Player of the Week as announced Monday by the league office.

The weekly honor is the first of Parker’s career and the first SEC Player of the Week honor in OU softball history. Parker was selected alongside Auburn’s Nelia Peralta.

Parker helped the Sooners go 6-0 during their trip to California, hitting .591 (13-for-22), with 10 runs, five doubles, one home run, eight RBIs, three walks and three stolen bases. Her home run came in a return to her hometown as she clubbed a solo shot to center at Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles.

The left-handed hitter made starts at both corner outfield positions as well as at designated player, converting on all nine of her chances with the glove.

Parker scored twice in five games, tallying a .955 slugging percentage and a .679 on-base percentage. She doubled twice in the season opener against Cal State Northridge, while also driving in three. Sunday at Long Beach State she added an insurance run with an RBI single in the top of the 11th inning.

She is tied with Ashley Giampolo of Siena for the most doubles in the nation (five), while her 13 hits are tied with Grand Canyon’s Savanna Groshong-Kirk for the most in the country.

The No. 2 Sooners stay on the road this weekend when they go to Baylor for four games at the Getterman Classic. OU plays Hofstra and Baylor once each on Saturday and Sunday.

Jordy Bahl, a standout softball pitcher, has agreed to a groundbreaking $99.5 million deal to transfer from the University of Oklahoma to the University of Arizona. This unprecedented contract is set to make Bahl the highest-paid player in collegiate softball history.

Bahl’s decision to leave Oklahoma comes after two remarkable seasons with the Sooners, where she amassed a 44-2 record and a 0.99 ERA. Her exceptional performance was instrumental in securing back-to-back national championships for Oklahoma. citeturn0search0

The move to Arizona is seen as a strategic opportunity for Bahl to further elevate her career. The substantial contract reflects Arizona’s commitment to building a championship-caliber team and underscores the growing financial investments in collegiate softball.

Bahl expressed her enthusiasm about the transfer, stating, “I’m excited to join Arizona and contribute to their storied program. This opportunity allows me to challenge myself and grow both as a player and as a person.”

The Arizona Wildcats have been a dominant force in collegiate softball, and Bahl’s addition is expected to bolster their pitching rotation significantly. Her leadership and experience are anticipated to have an immediate impact on the team’s performance in the upcoming season.

This development marks a significant shift in the landscape of collegiate athletics, highlighting the increasing commercialization and professionalization of college sports. The record-breaking contract sets a new precedent for player compensation and may influence future recruitment and transfer decisions across various sports.

As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Bahl and the Arizona Wildcats, eager to see how this high-profile transfer will influence the dynamics of collegiate softball.

In a surprising development, Patty Gasso, the esteemed head coach of the University of Oklahoma (OU) softball team, has been dismissed from her position following serious allegations made by her son, DJ Gasso. DJ, a former OU softball player and current hitting coach for the University of Arkansas, has reportedly accused his mother of misconduct, leading to her termination.

Patty Gasso has been a cornerstone of OU softball, leading the team to multiple national championships and earning widespread acclaim for her coaching prowess. Her tenure has been marked by a commitment to excellence and a strong emphasis on character development among her players.

The allegations from DJ Gasso have sent shockwaves through the softball community, raising questions about the future direction of the OU softball program. DJ, who has been involved in softball from a young age, has previously spoken about his experiences growing up in a softball-centric family. In a 2024 interview, he discussed the influence of his mother on his career and the challenges of being part of a high-profile sports family.

The university has not yet released a detailed statement regarding the nature of the allegations or the circumstances surrounding Patty Gasso’s dismissal. The situation remains fluid, and further information is expected as investigations proceed.

This development has prompted discussions about the complexities of family dynamics within high-performance sports environments and the potential impact on team morale and performance. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are closely monitoring the implications for the OU softball program and the broader collegiate athletics community.

For more insights into DJ Gasso’s perspective on softball and his relationship with his mother, you can watch the following interview:

Former Oklahoma softball star Jocelyn Alo has signed with Athletes Unlimited for its AUX season in June.

Alo is a two-time USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year who helped Oklahoma win two national titles. She plays for the Oklahoma City Spark, but Spark owner Tina Floyd agreed to her playing for Athletes Unlimited.

“Athletes Unlimited is where the world’s best professional athletes compete, and few have lit up the softball field more in recent years than Jocelyn Alo, so I’m thrilled to officially welcome her to our family,” Cheri Kempf, Athletes Unlimited’s senior vice president and director of softball, said in the announcement Wednesday.

Athletes Unlimited has two seasons — AUX and its regular season. Alo has agreed to play only in the AUX season, which will last 18 games from June 10 through June 25 at Wichita State University’s Wilkins Stadium. The league will include 42 players who will accumulate points during the season as they compete for an individual championship right after the Women’s College World Series.

Athletes Unlimited is heading into its fifth regular season and third AUX season. All AUX games will be broadcast on the ESPN networks. Alo likes Athletes Unlimited’s stability and visibility in softball, and it drew her to want to join.

Oklahoma strolled past Loyola Marymount on Saturday behind a first inning explosion.

Kasidi Pickering set the tone for another strong Oklahoma performance on Saturday.

The star sophomore uncorked a three-run blast in the first inning, which was the start of a five-run frame, to power the No. 2-ranked Sooners past the Loyola Marymount Lions.

Pickering wasted no time getting the Sooners going in the first inning.

She belted a three-run blast in the third at-bat of the game, putting OU in front after Abby Dayton and Ella Parker reached base to start the game.

Then Oklahoma’s aggressive baserunning took advantage of some fielding miscues by LMU.

Gabbie Garcia’s hard-hit ball to second was too much for Justine Lambert to corral, and as the ball rolled into the outfield Sydney Barker was able to score.

Then Ailana Agbayani beat out a slow throw by the Lions’ infield to first, allowing Cydney Sanders to score with two outs.

Dayton struck out to end the inning, but the Sooners were more than happy with the five runs on the scoreboard in the first.

Parker hit her first home run of the season to lead off the second, putting OU up 6-0.

Though it was her first bomb of the year, it was her seventh RBI through five games as she’s enjoyed a phenomenal start to 2025.

Sanders roped her first home run of the season to left field to start off the third inning, extending the advantage to 7-0.

Oklahoma’s offense went dormant for three innings, but Landry was in full control of the contest.

Landry did have to work herself out of a jam in the sixth, however.

A double, a steal and a hit batter put runners on the corners with no out for Landry, but then the defense came up big.

Sanders made a quick snag on a line drive and was able to dive back first before LMU third baseman Arianna Jaurequi could tag up for a double play.

Then Landry induced a ground ball from Meeya Johnson to end the inning and keep the Lions off the board.

Tia Milloy stepped back into the lineup in the top of the seventh and she bounced a two-run home run off the roof of Loyola Marymount’s hitting facility beyond the right field wall.

Landry came back out of the dugout in the seventh to close out the contest and post her first complete game shutout as a Sooner.