Jordy Bahl leaving Oklahoma for return to Nebraska after leading Sooners to softball title
Four days after helping the Oklahoma Sooners win their third consecutive Women's College World Series, Sooners pitcher Jordyn Bahl announced on Monday that she is entering the transfer portal. Bahl didn't specify where she'll be transferring to, but she is expected to transfer to Nebraska, according to ESPN.
"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," Bahl, who went to high school in Papillion, Nebraska, wrote on Twitter. "For the last 2 years, despite the amazing opportunities and accomplishments, my love for home and the acknowledgment of my foundation have grown. Being away from these things has been very tough."
In two seasons at Oklahoma, Bahl finished with a 44-2 record and 1.00 ERA, being named an All-American twice. She didn't allow a run in 24 2/3 innings pitched in the 2023 WCWS, the third longest streak in WCWS history. She was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player, earning the final out as Oklahoma extended its record win streak to 53 games and captured its third consecutive championship.
"Jordy shared with our staff on Friday that she has been feeling a strong need to be closer to home for quite some time 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," Oklahoma coach Patty Gasso said in a statement. "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, as 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 decision means Oklahoma will be without two of its starting pitchers next season, Bahl and Alex Storako.
Bahl's desire to return home seems to be the difference in her "bitter sweet" decision to transfer. She also mentioned an eagerness to grow the game in Nebraska, a "current overlooked state for girls in softball at all ages."
Bahl originally committed to Nebraska in high school before reopening her recruitment and committing to Oklahoma. Now she is expected to join the Cornhuskers, who went 36-22 and played in the regional round of the NCAA softball tournament.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jordy Bahl leaving Oklahoma softball for return home to Nebraska
