OU Softball: Oklahoma Star Shocks Softball World, Enters Transfer Portal
Oklahoma’s 2024 roster was just dealt a massive blow.
Right-handed phenom Jordy Bahl shocked the softball world, 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 grateful for her two years with our program and for everything she accomplished. She obviously was a huge part of our on-field success, but what I’ll always appreciate most about Jordy is her approach and dedication to the game, and she’s the ultimate competitor.
“We’re understanding of her situation and certainly want her to be the happiest she can be. We are supportive of her and she will always be part of the OU Softball family.”
The team was informed of the news on Saturday, a source close to the situation told AllSooners.com.
The decision comes days after Gasso led her Sooners to a third straight national title, partially thanks to Bahl’s heroics.
At the 2023 Women’s College World Series, Bahl pitched 24 2/3 scoreless innings, striking out 33 batters in the process. She was voted the Most Outstanding Player at the WCWS, also scoring a pair of runs as a pinch-runner against 3-seeded Florida State in the Championship Series.
"Nothing will compare to what this year and this team have been," Bahl wrote. "From staring defeat in the eyes and never giving in, the behind the scenes grind, handling the mounting pressure that only grows each year, only the girls on this team will ever be able to fully understand. That’s why this is such a bittersweet thing to do. I have decided to return home and play the game I love, closer to the things that have made me who I am and that have always been more important to me than this game.
"The most important thing in my life after my faith is my family. For the last two years, despite the amazing opportunities and accomplishments, my love for home and the acknowledgment of my foundation have grown. Being away from those things has been very tough. Through the constant battles that the outsiders do not see, my teammates and coaches were always understanding, loving and nothing but supportive. The bond developed with these girls can never and will never be broken. My sisters in Christ. My respect of this program and how they do things the right way and play the game with an unapologetic passion are all things I have learned and will take with me.
"My heart is full of gratitude and love for the girls, coaches and people at the University of Oklahoma. I am excited to return home and be Jordy Bahl the softball player, but more importantly the person. I am excited thinking about growing the game that has provided so many opportunities for growth in the home state, a current overlooked state for girls in softball at all ages, and I am excited to finish the softball journey right where it began."
Growing up in her hometown of Papillion, NE, Bahl took no time breaking out at Oklahoma.
She posted an outstanding record of 22-1 in her freshman season with a 1.09 ERA and 205 strikeouts, winning the 2022 NFCA Freshman of the Year.
Just four games into OU’s 2022 campaign, the right-hander announced herself.
Bahl completely shut down No. 3-ranked UCLA, allowing just four hits and one run while striking out 14 Bruin batters in the Sooners’ 4-1 victory.
Propelled by the performance, Bahl went on to dominate the rest of the regular season, but she sustained a forearm injury that held her out a majority of the postseason.
Bahl did make three appearances in the 2022 WCWS, including in the Championship Series against Texas, but she was far from 100 percent healthy.
She made the most of her second trip to Oklahoma City.
Throughout the 2023 NCAA Tournament, Bahl posted an ERA of 0.18, capped off with her scoreless run in OKC, after which she was named the 2023 WCWS Most Outstanding Player.
Gasso now has a huge hole to fill on the pitching staff.
Rising senior Nicole May is slated to return to Norman, as well as ‘24 sophomore left hander Kierston Deal.
Alex Storako ran out of eligibility at the end of the 2023 World Series, as the OU coaching staff already knew they would have to replace at least her arm in the 2024 rotation.
Regardless of who will be in the circle for the Sooners next year, there will still be plenty of run support for the pitching staff.
Offensively, OU only loses starters Haley Lee and Grace Lyons, as well bench utility player Grace Green.
The bats of Jayda Coleman, Tiare Jennings, Kinzie Hansen, Alyssa Brito, Cydney Sanders, Rylie Boone and Alynah Torres all are able to return to Norman, and Gasso has shown she isn’t afraid to dip into the transfer portal to bolster her lineup.
Oklahoma still has the tools to repeat as champions in 2024, but a player the caliber of Bahl can’t be replaced in one single roster transaction.
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