Why Jordyn Bahl Chose Oklahoma

Nebraska native and recent high school graduate Jordyn Bahl already has an extraordinary list of accomplishments on her softball resume. She was recently named the National Gatorade Softball Player of the Year after leading her high school team to a state championship, while posting a perfect 27-0 record on the mound with a 0.10 ERA.

Ranked No. 1 in SA’s 2021 Top 100 Recruiting Rankings, she will bring her talents to the University of Oklahoma this fall to play for Coach Patty Gasso. Bahl originally committed to the University of Nebraska in 2017, but later switched her commitment. The Sooners, who won the 2021 NCAA championship, are sure to bring out the best in the talented pitcher in the seasons to come.

Learn more about Bahl’s path to Oklahoma below.

Softball America: What was the recruiting process like for you?

Jordyn Bahl: The recruiting process for me was kind of crazy because in Nebraska we play high school softball in the fall. I was trying to balance that with school work and phone calls with coaches.

SA: What made you ultimately decide on Oklahoma?

JB: I ultimately chose Oklahoma because I thought it was a program I would fit in with as far as things they value. They are big on family, playing for each other and putting God in the spotlight. They are gritty and play with fire.

SA: Have you met any of your future Sooner teammates yet?

JB: I've met future teammates at the ball fields in between games at tournaments, and have talked a lot with my future roommates, Hannah Coor and Sophia Nugent.

SA: What are you most looking forward to at Oklahoma?

JB: I am most looking forward to learning from the veteran players and the coaching staff.

SA: How has your travel team prepared you for the big stage you are going to play on next year?

JB: My summer team has helped prepare me by playing in high-level tournaments, teaching me what it means to accept a role and by teaching me how to balance travel and playing with my summer class.

SA: What advice would you give to young players who hope to play Division I softball one day?

JB: Advice I would give to girls who want to play Division I softball would be to understand that the journey is a roller coaster. It’s not smooth sailing. The highs come with lows, and when you’re at a low point, you have to keep your head above the water and not let the negative eat you up. You can learn and grow from every experience, and you usually learn more from the bad ones than the good.

Also, I would say that the bigger focus should be on finding a program that feels like home, whether it’s Division I, II, III or NAIA. Ball is ball, so focus on finding a program that will help you grow as an individual outside of the game. One day the game is over for everyone and your stats from your high school and college career won’t matter, but the quality of person you are will.

2023 NCAA Division I Preseason All-Americans

SA's 2023 NCAA Preseason All-Americans include the most elite Division I softball players at the start of the season.