It’s not often a pitcher transfers from a national powerhouse like Oklahoma and the move still makes perfect sense — but that’s exactly the case with Paytn Monticelli heading to LSU.
On the surface, Monticelli’s departure from the Sooners may appear like a loss. After all, she was part of Oklahoma’s national title run in 2024, a two-time contributor, and a reliever with untapped potential. But once you examine the evolving landscape of college softball — and the depth of Patty Gasso’s 2026 roster — her decision to head to Baton Rouge becomes not only understandable, but smart.
Monticelli entered the transfer portal late in July as part of the new “designated student-athlete” process resulting from the NCAA’s House Settlement. With scholarship limits now replaced by roster caps, programs like Oklahoma had tough choices to make. It’s no coincidence that Monticelli’s entry into the portal aligned with that roster shift. And it’s not a knock on her talent — it’s a reflection of just how stacked Oklahoma’s pitching room has become.
In Norman, Monticelli was about to be part of an eight-player pitching staff. That number included high-profile additions like LSU transfer and All-SEC ace Sydney Berzon, and Ole Miss standout Miali Guachino — both expected to shoulder major innings. Add in returners Kierston Deal and Audrey Lowry, Sophia Bordi, incoming freshmen Allyssa Parker, and Berkley Zache, and you’ve got a staff brimming with arms that demand opportunity.
Monticelli, by contrast, appeared in 16 games in 2025, logging 21.1 innings with a 3.94 ERA. Her performance in 2024 was sharper — a 1.09 ERA in 18 appearances — but she was never truly able to break through as a consistent, high-leverage option in the circle. Over two seasons in Norman, she totaled just 40.2 innings. It’s not a stretch to say she was the odd woman out in a highly competitive bullpen.
So when the new transfer window opened in July, Monticelli made a move — and she landed in perhaps the most fitting spot of all: LSU.
The symmetry here is striking. LSU lost its ace, Sydney Berzon, to Oklahoma just weeks earlier. Now they get Monticelli from the same program, giving the Tigers a battle-tested, SEC-experienced arm with national championship pedigree. She may not be a direct replacement for Berzon in terms of workload or accolades, but she brings valuable depth, leadership, and situational flexibility — especially for a pitching staff that needs to reload quickly.
At LSU, Monticelli should have more room to carve out a meaningful role. She’s entering her final year of eligibility with one last shot to make a mark, and a slightly lighter bullpen gives her the opportunity to seize bigger innings. Her stat line won’t wow you — 34 total appearances across two seasons with a 2.58 ERA and 44 strikeouts — but she’s shown flashes of brilliance in short outings.
Her best outing in 2025 came early in the season, when she struck out four in an 8-0 win against Hofstra. She was also part of a combined no-hitter against East Texas A&M and earned wins against Abilene Christian and Arkansas. She never had the volume of work to settle into a rhythm, but the pieces are there — especially if LSU can give her a defined role.
It’s also important not to overlook Monticelli’s international experience. She’s pitched for both the Great Britain U22 Women’s National Team and the senior national team, competing in the U22 European Championships and the WBSC World Cup. That level of competition matters, and it speaks to her maturity and poise — two traits that could make her an important leader in the Tigers’ locker room.
Critics might say Monticelli’s transfer isn’t significant in the grand scheme — that she was a depth piece at Oklahoma, and she’ll be a depth piece at LSU. But in today’s college softball, bullpen depth wins championships. One look at Oklahoma’s four-peat stretch proves that. Having a reliable third or fourth arm who can eat innings, manage pressure, and keep a game in reach is invaluable.
For LSU, which is looking to climb back into national contention after a handful of promising but incomplete seasons, Monticelli represents a stabilizing piece. She won’t be expected to be the ace — she’ll be asked to do what she’s best at: throw quality innings, stay composed, and compete against top-tier lineups. That’s a role she’s already played at the highest level.
From Oklahoma’s perspective, this is also a no-drama departure. Monticelli leaves on good terms, a two-time contributor and champion who simply found herself boxed in by numbers. Gasso’s staff is not short on talent or arms — and with the addition of Berzon and Guachino, the Sooners’ top two spots are likely spoken for. If anything, Monticelli’s exit is a quiet endorsement of OU’s success in recruiting and portal scouting.
What’s most refreshing is that this is a transfer story with no villain. No bitterness, no bad blood. Just a good pitcher looking for a better fit and a program welcoming her with open arms.
Paytn Monticelli may never be the headline on a national title team, but in this transfer she’s done something far more valuable: found a place where her final year can matter. She’s betting on herself — and LSU is smart to do the same.
Follow us on Instagram