The Oklahoma Sooners softball team has firmly established itself as one of the premier programs in the sport, winning multiple national championships in recent years under head coach Patty Gasso. However, the departure of the 2023 senior class — one of the most legendary in college softball history — poses an enormous challenge. Players like Jocelyn Alo, Tiare Jennings, and Grace Lyons have left a legacy that will be hard to follow. The fall season offers the first real glimpse into how OU will reload and reshape itself for another championship run.
Here are five key storylines to watch as the Sooners prepare to move forward.
1. The Leadership Void: Who Will Step Up?
The Sooners are losing not just talent, but also vital leadership on and off the field. Grace Lyons was the heart and soul of OU’s defense, anchoring the infield from shortstop. Tiare Jennings and Jocelyn Alo were leaders by example, providing clutch hits in crucial moments. Who fills these shoes?
Jayda Coleman, who has been a dynamic force in center field and at the plate, looks poised to become the team’s emotional leader. The junior has shown a gritty, competitive spirit that could make her the next face of the Sooners. Other players like Kinzie Hansen, the experienced catcher, and Alyssa Brito, who has been consistent at third base, will also need to take on more prominent leadership roles.
2. New Faces in Key Roles
With the loss of veterans, Oklahoma will lean heavily on a talented incoming class of freshmen and transfers. Incoming freshman Ava Brown, one of the top recruits in the country, could play a key role, especially in the pitching circle. Another notable addition is graduate transfer pitcher Kennedy Smith, who arrives from another Power Five program. Smith brings experience and composure that could ease the transition for the Sooners as they seek to maintain their dominance on the mound.
Gasso is no stranger to developing young talent, and these new faces will be critical in filling the gaps left by the departing seniors.
3. Reconstructing the Infield
The Sooners’ infield was a strength during their championship run, with Grace Lyons setting the tone defensively. Lyons’ departure leaves a significant gap, and finding her replacement at shortstop will be one of the main fall objectives. Alynah Torres, who impressed last season at second base, could move into a more prominent role. The battle for who claims the shortstop and other infield positions will be closely watched.
Beyond shortstop, there are questions at first and second base. Could Torres move, or will someone like Cydney Sanders step into a more central role defensively? The fall will be the first chance for Gasso and her staff to experiment with new combinations.
4. Pitching Staff Reload
Oklahoma’s dominant pitching staff was a huge part of their success in 2023. Losing Jordy Bahl, a force in the circle, creates a big hole. Nicole May and Alex Storako were part of a deep pitching rotation that often overwhelmed opponents. Replacing Bahl’s leadership and production will be difficult, but the Sooners still have plenty of firepower.
Nicole May, who has been rock-solid for the Sooners, is expected to take on a bigger role in leading the staff. Additionally, sophomore pitcher Kenzie Hansen showed flashes of brilliance last season, and her continued development will be crucial to maintaining the Sooners’ elite pitching standard. The new arrivals in the circle, including Brown and Smith, will need to mesh with the current pitchers to form a cohesive unit.
5. Can the Offense Stay Explosive?
OU softball has been synonymous with explosive offense, regularly leading the nation in home runs and scoring. With the departure of sluggers like Alo and Jennings, it’s natural to wonder if this trend will continue. However, the Sooners are still loaded with power.
Jayda Coleman and Kinzie Hansen are both dangerous hitters who can change a game with one swing. Alyssa Brito showed her ability to hit for both average and power. Meanwhile, players like Cydney Sanders, who had a strong freshman campaign, will be expected to step up in their sophomore seasons. The newcomers, such as catcher Haley Lee, another Power Five transfer, could also add to the lineup’s potency.
Fall games will offer a glimpse into how this retooled lineup will come together and whether Oklahoma can continue its tradition of scoring runs in bunches.
Replacing a legendary class is no small task, but if there’s any program built to handle such a challenge, it’s Oklahoma. The fall season will be a proving ground for players new and old to carve out their roles and contribute to the Sooners’ next championship run. While there are many questions surrounding this team, Gasso’s track record of developing talent and fostering a winning culture suggests that the Sooners are more than capable of filling the gaps left behind by their historic 2023 class. Expect growing pains, but also expect Oklahoma to be right back in the mix come spring.
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