Kelly Maxwell, transformed by her time at OU, solidifies her Sooner legacy with an exceptional performance at the WCWS.
OKLAHOMA CITY — On Thursday night, after the Sooners secured their fourth consecutive Women’s College World Series championship, some of OU softball’s graduating seniors were asked about the most challenging part of the 2024 season.
For Kelly Maxwell, who transferred from Oklahoma State to Oklahoma, switching sides in the Bedlam rivalry, the answer was quite clear.
Kelly Maxwell: Gratitude Amidst Adversity
“Mine was definitely my decision to come here,” said Maxwell. “I faced a lot of hate and doubt, but I’m thankful for my teammates, coaches, and the support system that lifted me up. Throughout everything, having God by my side has been a blessing. I’m grateful to be here.”
The Sooners were equally thankful for Maxwell. Without her, they wouldn’t have clinched their fourth consecutive title on Thursday night.
Maxwell was named the Most Outstanding Player of the WCWS, pitching 27 innings over five appearances, allowing just 12 hits and seven earned runs while striking out 32 batters and walking 16.
Beyond stats and awards, OU coach Patty Gasso appreciated seeing Maxwell grow as a person in the team’s environment.
“I can tell you that Kelly, especially during the World Series, will be changed forever,” Gasso said. “That’s the greatest gift she could give us. Not just the championship, but watching her break out of her shell, smile, laugh, and enjoy being a good pitcher with good players who appreciate and respect her.”
Maxwell faced challenges, including backlash from OSU fans and tough losses during the season. Initially reserved in the WCWS, a conversation with Gasso on June 1 helped her feel freer. That same day, she pitched a complete game shutout against UCLA, then fought for eight innings to win an elimination game against Florida, and held Texas in check in Game 1 of the championship series.
She capped it off in Game 2, shutting down Texas in the final 1⅓ innings, cementing her legacy and forging lasting friendships with her OU teammates.
“Her decision to come here was not easy,” said catcher Kinzie Hansen. “I caught her in Japan a couple of years ago, and our relationship was already built. Being with her every step of the way and seeing her grow was special. Her confidence has soared. I never got my chest bump, but I got the dog pile. I’ll take it. I’m so proud of her and look forward to catching her this summer.”
A Speech from a Sooner Legend
Shay Knighten, the Most Outstanding Player of the 2017 WCWS, played a behind-the-scenes role in the Sooners’ triumph. Before their elimination game against Florida on Tuesday, she delivered an inspiring pregame speech. Center fielder Jayda Coleman then hit a walk-off home run in the eighth inning, pushing the Sooners into the championship series.
“I will never forget that meeting,” Coleman said. “I’ve looked up to Shay since seventh grade. For her to open up her heart and talk about the Lord, telling us we’re not alone, was surreal. I started bawling. Sometimes the Lord moves your heart in a certain way. I’ll never forget it.”
Graduates Becoming Grad Assistants
Three OU seniors, Hansen, Tiare Jennings, and Karlie Keeney, will stay with the team in 2025 as graduate assistants. Coach Gasso had anticipated that some players would move into coaching after their playing careers.
“Catchers make great coaches,” Gasso said. “If Tiare wants to go into it, there might be a few more. Rylie Boone has a good way with young people. Jayda Coleman could be a great teacher and coach as well. I’m hoping to keep Hansen. Karlie Keeney is looking to be a pitching coach.”
Gasso is excited to add alumni to her staff, expanding her coaching tree, which includes notable names like Melyssa Lombardi, Sydney Romero, and Sam Marder at Oregon, and Courtney Deifel and DJ Gasso at Arkansas.
**WCWS Sets Attendance, TV Records**
The 2024 WCWS saw record attendance, with 12,234 fans at Thursday night’s finals and a record 12,566 fans on May 30 for Texas vs. Stanford and Oklahoma State vs. Florida.
ESPN announced viewership records, with the OU vs. Texas finals being the most-watched in WCWS history. Viewership was up 24% from 2023 and 3% from the previous high in 2015. Game 2 was the fifth-best WCWS game ever with an average of two million viewers and a peak of 2.5 million. Games 1 and 2 were the second and third most-viewed softball games on ESPN+.
