NORMAN, OK – The Oklahoma Sooners softball program, a dynasty that has redefined excellence in collegiate athletics, is entering a new era with the official commitment of a series of generational talents, poised to extend their unprecedented run of success deep into the future. While the 2025 season saw the Sooners’ incredible streak of national championships halted in the Women’s College World Series semifinals, Head Coach Patty Gasso and her staff have wasted no time reloading, securing commitments that ensure the “Sooner Standard” will continue to be the benchmark for collegiate softball for years to come. This isn’t just about recruiting; it’s about building a sustainable, perennial powerhouse that adapts to the evolving landscape of the sport.
The focus for Oklahoma now turns to the future, and that future is exceptionally bright, particularly with the highly touted 2026 recruiting class. Ranked among the very top in the nation by prominent scouting services like Softball America, Perfect Game, and Extra Innings Softball, this class represents the next wave of talent that will aim to bring more national championships back to Norman.
Let’s delve into some of the key commitments that highlight the new era for Oklahoma Sooners softball:
Considered by many to be the No. 1 overall player in the 2026 class, Ki’ele Ho-Ching is the crown jewel of Oklahoma’s incoming talent. Hailing from Long Beach Poly High School in California, Ho-Ching is a true five-tool player with elite bat skills, exceptional speed, and a defensive prowess that makes her a standout anywhere in the infield. Her versatility is a major asset for Coach Gasso, who values players who can contribute in multiple ways. Ho-Ching’s background in a “football family” has instilled in her a toughness and competitive drive that perfectly aligns with the Sooners’ culture. Her decision to choose Oklahoma over other powerhouse programs like UCLA and Stanford underscores the enduring appeal of the Sooners’ dynasty. There’s even a Tiare Jennings connection that reportedly helped seal the deal, illustrating the powerful alumni network and mentorship within the program. Ho-Ching is projected to be an immediate impact player, with the potential to anchor the Sooners’ infield for years to come.
Ella Kate “EK” Smith, a five-star prospect out of Katy, Texas, is another cornerstone of the 2026 class. Ranked as high as No. 2 overall by Perfect Game and No. 4 by Extra Innings Softball (and previously the No. 1 player in the country in 2023), Smith brings a formidable two-way threat to Norman. What makes EK special is her ability to dominate both in the circle and at the plate. As a pitcher, she has an emotional rise story, having overcome early doubts to become one of the nation’s best arms. Her coaches and teammates laud her character and leadership, qualities that fit seamlessly into the Sooners’ championship-driven environment. Her experience with the USA Softball U18 National Team further underscores her elite talent and readiness for high-pressure situations. Smith’s versatility as both a dominant pitcher and a powerful hitter will provide Coach Gasso with immense strategic flexibility, potentially making her the next great two-way star for the Sooners.
The commitment of Keegan Baker, the No. 1-ranked player in Oklahoma and a top-10 pitcher nationally from Edmond Memorial High School, is a significant in-state victory for Patty Gasso and pitching coach Jennifer Rocha. Baker is an elite ace with a dominant screwball and a proven track record of leading her high school team to a state title as a freshman. Her spiritual and mental approach to high-pressure games makes her an ideal fit for the Sooners’ program, known for its mental toughness. Baker is set to join a deep and talented pitching rotation for the Sooners in 2026, which will also feature returning experience and other elite freshmen. Her commitment reinforces Oklahoma’s ability to retain top local talent, a crucial aspect of sustained success.
The 2026 class is far from limited to these three stars. Other notable commitments include:
- Malaya Majam-Finch (Pitcher, Fullerton HS, CA): Another top-ranked pitcher from California, with strong family ties to the sport (her aunt, Jennie Finch, being a legendary figure). Her commitment further strengthens Oklahoma’s pitching depth.
- Ori Mailo (Infielder, Mililani, HI): A hard-hitting infielder from Hawaii, showcasing the Sooners’ national recruiting reach. Her power at the plate makes her a significant offensive weapon.
- Payton Westra (Outfielder, Red Mountain, AZ): A highly-rated outfielder from Arizona, bringing speed and defensive prowess to the outfield.
While the future is bright with these incoming recruits, the present and immediate future (2025 and 2026 seasons) are also incredibly strong for the Sooners. Coach Gasso has been active in the transfer portal to address immediate needs and maintain depth, especially after graduating key players and some departures.
- Sydney Berzon (Pitcher, LSU Transfer): A significant addition via the transfer portal, Berzon brings proven SEC experience and a track record of success from LSU. She earned second-team All-SEC honors and is expected to immediately slot into a key role in the Sooners’ pitching rotation, potentially as a Friday starter. Her arrival bolsters a pitching staff that already includes talented returning arms like Kierston Deal, Paytn Monticelli, and Audrey Lowry, as well as highly-touted freshmen Allyssa Parker and Berkley Zache (from the 2025 class).
- Miali Guachino (Pitcher, Ole Miss Transfer): Another key pitching addition through the transfer portal, Guachino also brings SEC experience and provides further depth and versatility to the Sooners’ bullpen. The strategy appears to be building a deep pitching staff, capable of utilizing multiple arms to navigate tough SEC schedules and deep postseason runs, a departure from relying heavily on a single ace.
The returning core of the 2025 team, even after a few departures and graduations, remains formidable. Players like Ella Parker, Kasidi Pickering, and Gabbie Garcia are set to return and lead the offense, providing consistent power and production. The infield, anchored by Nelly McEnroe-Marinas and Ailana Agbayani, also remains strong.
The 2025 season marked Oklahoma’s inaugural year in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), a move that reshaped the landscape of college softball. While they didn’t win the national title, their run to the WCWS semifinals in their first SEC campaign demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest level within the conference. The increased intensity and depth of the SEC schedule will test the Sooners every week, but Coach Gasso has actively recruited and built a roster designed to thrive in this new environment. The depth in pitching, the versatility in the lineup, and the sheer volume of elite talent are all strategic responses to the demands of the SEC.
Patty Gasso herself has expressed immense optimism about the future. After the 2025 season, she stated that it was one of her “favorite years” in coaching due to the challenges and growth of her team, and promised fans, “If you liked this season, you’re going to absolutely love next season.” This confident outlook, backed by the infusion of top-tier talent from the 2025 and 2026 recruiting classes, and strategic portal additions, signifies that the Oklahoma Sooners softball program is not just reloading; it’s evolving. The commitment of players like Ki’ele Ho-Ching, EK Smith, and Keegan Baker, combined with a deep and versatile roster, solidifies their position at the forefront of college softball and ensures that the “new era” will look remarkably similar to the dominant one that preceded it.
