Oklahoma’s 2024 roster has just been hit with a major setback.
Right-handed sensation Jordy Bahl stunned the softball community by entering the transfer portal on Monday.
“Jordy shared with our staff on Friday that she has been feeling a strong need to be closer to home for quite some time,” OU head coach Patty Gasso said in a statement, “and that she planned to enter the transfer portal. It was a very candid and emotional conversation in which we both communicated our love and appreciation for each other.
“We are thankful for the two years Jordy spent with our program and all she achieved. She was a significant contributor to our on-field success, but what I’ll value most is her dedication and competitive spirit.
“We understand her decision and want her to find happiness. We fully support her, and she will always be a part of the OU Softball family.”
The team learned of this development on Saturday, according to a source close to the situation.
This news comes shortly after Gasso led the Sooners to their third consecutive national title, largely thanks to Bahl’s standout performance.
During the 2023 Women’s College World Series, Bahl pitched 24 2/3 scoreless innings, struck out 33 batters, and was named the Most Outstanding Player. She also scored two runs as a pinch-runner in the Championship Series against third-seeded Florida State.
“Nothing compares to what this year and this team have been,” Bahl wrote. “From facing defeat head-on and never backing down to the behind-the-scenes hard work and the increasing pressure, only those on this team can truly understand. That’s why making this decision is so bittersweet. I’ve chosen to return home to play the game I love, closer to the things that matter most to me, which have always been more important than the game itself.
“After faith, family is the most important aspect of my life. Over the past two years, despite the incredible opportunities and achievements, my desire to be close to home and the recognition of my roots have only grown. Being away from these things has been challenging. My teammates and coaches have been consistently understanding, supportive, and loving. The bond with these girls is unbreakable. I’ve learned a lot from this program’s dedication and passion for the game, and I will carry these lessons with me.
“My heart is filled with gratitude and love for everyone at the University of Oklahoma. I’m excited to return home and embrace being Jordy Bahl, both as a softball player and as a person. I look forward to contributing to the growth of the sport in my home state, which is currently underrepresented in softball, and to completing my softball journey where it all began.”
Bahl, hailing from Papillion, NE, quickly made a name for herself at Oklahoma.
In her freshman season, she posted a remarkable 22-1 record with a 1.09 ERA and 205 strikeouts, earning the 2022 NFCA Freshman of the Year award.
Just four games into the 2022 season, Bahl showcased her talent by shutting down No. 3-ranked UCLA, allowing only four hits and one run while striking out 14 batters in a 4-1 victory.
Despite a forearm injury that limited her postseason play, Bahl dominated the regular season and made three appearances in the 2022 Women’s College World Series, including the Championship Series against Texas.
Bahl excelled during the 2023 NCAA Tournament, achieving a 0.18 ERA and earning the 2023 WCWS Most Outstanding Player title.
With Bahl’s departure, Gasso faces a significant challenge in rebuilding the pitching staff. Rising senior Nicole May and ‘24 sophomore left-hander Kierston Deal are expected to return, while Alex Storako’s eligibility ended after the 2023 World Series.
Despite the loss of Bahl, the Sooners will still have strong offensive support. OU loses starters Haley Lee and Grace Lyons, along with utility player Grace Green, but returning players Jayda Coleman, Tiare Jennings, Kinzie Hansen, Alyssa Brito, Cydney Sanders, Rylie Boone, and Alynah Torres provide a solid lineup. Gasso is also likely to seek additions through the transfer portal.
Oklahoma remains well-positioned to compete for another championship in 2024, though replacing a player of Bahl’s caliber is no easy task.
