Jordy Bahl is trying to add to her legacy by leading Nebraska to the WCWS (Crash Kamon/D1Softball)

Jordy Bahl Announces She’s Leaving Oklahoma

In a stunning move that few saw coming, sophomore ace Jordy Bahl announced on Monday that she is leaving the University of Oklahoma to be closer to home.

The Papillion, Nebraska native, was an instrumental part of OU’s last two national championship teams. She was named the Most Outstanding Player of this year’s Women’s College World Series last week after throwing 24.2 innings without allowing a run.

“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 said in her social media post. “The most important thing in my life after my faith, my family.”

❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/6OBFmG5VEE

— Jordyn Bahl (@jordybahl) June 12, 2023

Bahl finished the season 22-1 with a 0.90 ERA, 192 strikeouts and 37 walks in 147.1 innings pitched. The all-around talent was fiery in the circle and a weapon in all facets. Bahl, who committed to Nebraska before her freshman year of high school before decommitting two years later, was used as a pinch runner several times, including during the WCWS.

OU head coach Patty Gasso released a statement shortly after Bahl made her decision public.

“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,” Gasso said. “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 everything she accomplished.”

Oklahoma will return rising senior Nicole May and rising sophomore Kierston Deal to the staff. As they have done over the last few seasons, the Sooners will likely look to bolster their staff through the transfer portal.

But nobody can replace a transendent pitcher like Bahl.

“The respect for 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,” Bahl posted. “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.”