Ailana Agbayani Shines Bright as SEC Player of the Week, Fuels Oklahoma’s Sweep of No. 4 Texas

The University of Oklahoma softball program has long been defined by grit, tradition, and dominance — and in a year already filled with promise, junior second baseman Ailana Agbayani delivered a performance that could be remembered as a turning point. Named the SEC Player of the Week after a sensational showing during Oklahoma’s sweep of No. 4 Texas, Agbayani’s rise couldn’t be better timed for a Sooners squad hunting its fourth consecutive national title.

Agbayani, a transfer from BYU and a proud alum of ‘Iolani School in Honolulu, Hawai’i, was nothing short of sensational during the three-game rivalry series. She batted an eye-popping .750 (6-for-8), launched a grand slam, drove in five runs, slugged 1.375, and played flawless defense — helping the Sooners assert themselves as the top contender not just in the SEC but in all of college softball.

This latest honor further cements her growing legacy and showcases the journey of a player whose determination, versatility, and poise have allowed her to thrive on the biggest stage in college softball.

Agbayani’s rise isn’t a surprise to those who watched her develop in Hawai’i. A star at ‘Iolani School, she was a multi-sport standout whose softball IQ and natural instincts made her one of the most coveted prospects in the islands. After starting her collegiate career at BYU — where she was the 2023 WCC Defensive Player of the Year — Agbayani transferred to Oklahoma looking for a new challenge and the chance to compete on a championship stage.

She’s found both.

“My time at BYU helped shape me, but I wanted to see how I could grow in the SEC,” Agbayani said earlier this season. “Oklahoma has been everything I hoped for — the coaches believe in me, my teammates push me, and I feel like I’ve found a home here.”

It’s clear the Sooners are just as thrilled to have her.

Entering the rivalry series against No. 4 Texas, Oklahoma was looking for more than just bragging rights. They needed to make a statement. Agbayani made sure they did.

In the opener, she delivered the game’s most defining moment — a grand slam that put the Sooners up 6-0, effectively demoralizing a Texas team that entered the weekend with title hopes of its own. But Agbayani wasn’t done. She also laced a walk-off double to seal a thrilling 9-8 win, tying her career-high with five RBIs in a single game.

“I just wanted to stay loose and trust my preparation,” she said postgame. “The moment didn’t feel too big because I knew I had my team behind me.”

In Games 2 and 3, Agbayani continued to rake at the plate and displayed elite defensive awareness. Her glove work at second base erased multiple Longhorn threats, and her ability to turn double plays under pressure was vital to Oklahoma’s clean sweep.

Through the Texas series, Agbayani is batting .339 with eight doubles, 30 RBIs, 28 runs scored, and two home runs. She’s drawn 17 walks while committing just one error in 136 defensive chances — a testament to her discipline and fielding prowess.

“She’s the total package,” head coach Patty Gasso said. “We knew she’d bring experience and defense, but she’s been clutch for us in so many offensive situations. She’s got that poise that can’t be taught.”

Agbayani’s approach at the plate is emblematic of Oklahoma’s offensive identity — patient yet aggressive, smart but powerful. Whether it’s setting the tone early in the lineup or delivering in high-leverage moments, she’s earned the trust of Gasso and her teammates alike.

Athletic excellence runs in Agbayani’s bloodline. Her father, Benny Agbayani, played in Major League Baseball for the New York Mets and Boston Red Sox, gaining popularity as a fan favorite during the Mets’ run to the 2000 World Series.

“My dad taught me how to be mentally tough,” Ailana has said. “He reminds me it’s not always about being perfect — it’s about bouncing back when things don’t go your way.”

Her older sister, Aleia, also played collegiate softball at California and BYU, while her younger brother, Bruin, is a highly regarded baseball prospect committed to play Division I. It’s a family rooted in competition — and one that understands what it takes to win at the highest level.

Oklahoma’s sweep of Texas didn’t just shake up the SEC — it altered the national landscape. Now ranked No. 1 in most polls, the Sooners are surging at the perfect time with the SEC Tournament and NCAA postseason approaching.

Agbayani’s emergence as a clutch hitter and defensive anchor gives Oklahoma a critical edge. In a conference where every game feels like a postseason matchup, having a veteran presence who has been through the grind before is invaluable.

“She’s a leader by example,” said All-American teammate Tiare Jennings. “Her preparation, her energy, her calm — it raises the standard for all of us.”

With Oklahoma’s offense firing on all cylinders and its pitching staff rounding into form, Agbayani’s consistency gives the Sooners added depth in the infield and another powerful weapon in the batting order.

Agbayani’s success also shines a spotlight on the growing pipeline of elite talent coming out of Hawai’i. More players than ever before are heading to top-tier Division I programs, and Ailana’s journey from Honolulu to Norman could serve as inspiration for the next wave of island athletes.

“I carry my home with me everywhere I go,” she said. “There’s a special pride in representing Hawai’i, especially in a sport where our voices are just starting to be heard more.”

Her presence has already sparked a boost in fan engagement from back home, with softball fans in Hawai’i tuning in to Sooners games, cheering on one of their own on the sport’s biggest stage.

Coach Patty Gasso, one of the most respected minds in college softball, has had a front-row seat to Agbayani’s development. Gasso praised her work ethic and willingness to adapt after transferring in from a different system.

“She didn’t come in expecting anything,” Gasso said. “She came to work. She listened. She learned. And she earned her role.”

That mindset is part of what makes Oklahoma softball so formidable. It’s not just about individual talent — it’s about blending into a system that demands discipline, effort, and championship-level focus. Agbayani embodies that culture.

Oklahoma closes the regular season with a massive road series against No. 7 Florida, another powerhouse looking to make a statement before the postseason. For Agbayani and the Sooners, it’s the perfect test to stay sharp and battle-tested heading into the SEC Tournament.

From there, the road to Oklahoma City and the Women’s College World Series begins — and Agbayani is certain to be in the heart of the action.

“Every rep, every swing, every inning — it matters now more than ever,” she said. “We want to finish what we started.”

With her bat heating up and her glove setting the tone defensively, there’s no question Agbayani will be a central figure in Oklahoma’s postseason run.

While it’s still early in her Oklahoma career, Agbayani is already carving out a legacy. From high school stardom in Hawai’i to success at BYU to stardom in Norman, her story is one of belief, growth, and resilience.

And if the Sooners lift another trophy this summer, you can bet that Ailana Agbayani’s fingerprints will be all over it.