The Oklahoma Sooners will embark on a new chapter in their softball dynasty in 2025, aiming for an unprecedented fifth consecutive National Championship. However, this year’s squad will feature a significantly different roster compared to the dominant teams of recent years.
A large graduating class has necessitated a significant roster turnover, with a wave of transfers and highly-touted freshmen joining the program. Despite the departures of key players, the Sooners are still expected to be a force to be reckoned with.
However, the 2025 season will present a new set of challenges. Oklahoma and Texas will now compete in the SEC, joining arguably the most competitive conference in women’s college softball. The addition of these two powerhouse programs to the SEC promises to elevate the level of play and create an even more challenging environment for all teams in the conference.
Landry Leads the Way: Oklahoma’s Pitching Staff Ready to Shine
Transfer pitcher Sam Landry emerged as a standout during fall ball, showcasing impressive control and consistency that surpassed her Oklahoma teammates. The question now is whether the rest of the pitching staff has been able to close the gap on her during the winter training period.
Landry arrives in Norman with an impressive resume. In 2024, she earned NFCA All-Region First Team honors and ranked among the nation’s best in wins. The Louisiana standout compiled a 24-10 record with a 2.09 ERA, showcasing her dominance in the circle. In 28 starts and 46 appearances, she amassed 194.1 innings pitched, including 10 complete games and six shutouts. Landry’s impressive stat line also includes 165 strikeouts, a 1.12 WHIP, and a .219 opponent batting average. Her dominance extended to conference play, where she led the Sun Belt with 13 wins and a remarkable .179 opponent batting average, earning her All-Sun Belt First Team honors.
Landry possesses legitimate All-SEC and All-American potential, bringing a high level of talent and experience to the Oklahoma pitching staff. The Mont Belvieu, Texas native led Louisiana in wins all three seasons she was in the Bayou, racking up 63 wins in three seasons.
Oklahoma’s Rotation Will Be Deep Once Again
Of course, Landry won’t be the only one making appearances in the circle. Kierston Deal, an All-Big 12 Second Team selection in 2024 and a member of the 2024 Big 12 All-Tournament Team, will be a key contributor again in 2025. Deal enjoyed a breakout season in year two at Oklahoma, earning Big 12 Pitcher of the Week honors twice.
In 2024, she compiled a dominant 14-1 record with a stellar 1.97 ERA, showcasing her ability to shut down opposing offenses. Deal’s impressive resume includes six complete games, four shutouts, and 165 strikeouts across 194.1 innings pitched.
Campbell transfer Isabella Smith continued her dominance in the circle in 2024, earning her second consecutive conference pitcher-of-the-year honor as the Camels transitioned to the CAA. She claimed the conference’s Pitcher of the Year award, while also breaking the program’s career records for strikeouts (638) and wins (70). Smith delivered a career-best 1.56 ERA with a 26-7 record, making 30 starts in 42 appearances. She showcased her dominance with 18 complete games, nine shutouts, and a pair of saves, striking out 238 batters over 206.0 innings at a career-high 28.6% clip.
Junior Paytn Monticelli joined the Oklahoma Sooners in 2024 for her second collegiate season and quickly emerged as a dominant force in the bullpen. In 18 appearances (including one start), Monticelli compiled a remarkable 1.09 ERA, showcasing her exceptional control and poise.
Her impact was undeniable: she led the Sooner staff in K/9 (8.33) and strikeout percentage (28.8%), striking out 23 batters in just 19.1 innings pitched. Monticelli proved particularly effective against right-handed hitters, holding them to a meager .136 batting average with 19 strikeouts in 53 plate appearances.
Demonstrating her dominance, Monticelli allowed only one extra-base hit in 80 opponent plate appearances. Sixteen of her eighteen appearances resulted in scoreless outings, solidifying her role as a crucial contributor to the Sooners’ success.
With a potent mix of veteran leadership and exciting young talent, the Sooners are poised to once again boast a dominant pitching staff in 2025. The addition of All-American caliber pitchers adds a new dimension to what was already going to be a strong rotation. This potent combination of talent and experience should give Oklahoma a significant advantage as the Sooners ebark on their journey to defend their national championship while navigating the SEC.
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