Addison Van Curler ‘27, Sports Editor
The Oklahoma Sooners are ready to have another great year, finishing their previous season with a record of 59-7. Oklahoma softball is known for their 2024 star seniors and how much they have contributed to the team’s continued success. If it had not been for these five seniors, Oklahoma might not have the fame that they have today.
With a name nobody can forget, Tiare Jennings, is often considered one of the ‘greatest softball players’ regarding all that she has done for Oklahoma: “She leaves as one of the greatest players in college softball history. After sharing her early years with Alo [(2022 graduate from Oklahoma Softball)], Jennings continued to strike fear in opponents, finishing her WCWS career with 31 hits and 11 home runs, one behind Alo in each category for second-best all time. She averaged one home run every eight at-bats in her Oklahoma career,” according to Dave Wilson and Eli Lederman from ESPN. Jennings is known to be one of the most incredible players, which leaves Oklahoma softball in good hands. Many of her teammates were sad to see her leave, but hopefully they can still keep the same fame and high energy without one of the best players. Freshman and softball player Marielle Cottongim said, “I like Jennings the best; she always seemed to have a positive attitude, and she had some really good plays and hits.”
Another incredible previous senior: Jayda Coleman. Coleman left Oklahoma strong. During her senior 2024 season, she had a batting average of .385, which put her in the top six batting averages for their team. Coleman individually scored a jaw-dropping amount of 72 runs: the most scored on her team. She was an asset to the Oklahoma softball team, and the program will not be the same without her.
Coleman may have been great, but so was 2024 senior Kinzie Hansen. Hansen had an amazing batting average of .400. She had 11 home runs and 41 RBIs during her 2024 senior season. She scored 35 runs with 65 hits, and nine doubles. It will definitely be different without Hansen, but because of her, the Sooners have learned great determination, so that they will have a possible incredible season.
Star outfielder Rylie Boone had an outstanding 2024 season with a batting average of .410. Although she only had one home run, she scored 42 runs, had 73 hits, 12 doubles, and one triple, contributing to a total of 24 RBIs. Boone had a total of 73 put-outs with three attempts and two errors during her 2024 season. With her time with the Sooners (2020-2024), Boone had a total of 205 put-outs, with only six errors, making a .973 FLD percent. Boone was almost unstoppable in the outfield- which led to success for the Oklahoma Sooners.
Pitcher Nicole May left Oklahoma with 96 strikeouts during her 2024 season, and during that season, May had a 2.59 batting ERA with 14 wins and only three losses. Not only did May have an unforgettable season last year, she also earned the California Gatorade Softball Player of the Year in her 2018-19 season. There is no doubt Oklahoma could have accomplished what they did without this star pitcher, Nicole May.
These four core seniors have all contributed to Oklahoma softball’s fame, and it definitely will not be the same without them. Not only do their statistics show perfection, but their positive attitudes and leadership carried throughout the entire season, made for a great season for the Oklahoma Sooners. Check out their next game on April 18 at 6:30 p.m. against Mississippi State.
Lyon Life 