How Ailana Agbayani’s Competitive Spirit as a BYU Transfer Influenced Her Commitment to OU Softball
NORMAN — When Ailana Agbayani visited OU, she didn’t anticipate falling in love with the place immediately.
Agbayani’s objective when she entered the transfer portal after two years at BYU was to join a team with top-notch coaches and players in softball. Raised by her father, Benny Agbayani — a former Major League Baseball player known especially for his time with the New York Mets — she was taught to value competition, hard work, and winning.
After meeting with Sooners head coach Patty Gasso and her staff, who have won four straight national championships, Agbayani quickly made her decision and announced her commitment on Instagram on June 25.
“As a dad, my wife and I are thrilled,” Benny Agbayani told The Oklahoman. “It’s hard to turn down the opportunity to play for one of the greatest coaches in softball.”
Ailana Agbayani addresses a critical need in OU’s middle infield, a position previously held by Avery Hodge before she transferred to LSU.
Agbayani posted a .424 batting average with five home runs, a .534 on-base percentage, and a .594 slugging percentage while serving as the Cougars’ starting shortstop last season. She also had a 5.78 ERA as a pitcher, recording 17 strikeouts in 23 innings.
In a 9-4 victory over the Sooners on April 12, Agbayani contributed four hits, including two doubles, and drove in two RBIs. Eager to enhance her skills and with two years of eligibility left, Agbayani sought a new environment.
“It was a tough choice for her,” Benny said. “Coming out of high school during the pandemic year, many players were extending their careers into their fifth and sixth years. There were limited opportunities, and after two years at BYU, she felt ready for a change.”
The native of Mililani Mauka, Hawaii, joins a lineage of Hawaiian softball players at OU. She grew up knowing former OU star and NCAA career home run leader Jocelyn Alo, who is from Hauula.
