Abby Dayton is coming off her second successful season with the Utes and will join the Sooners with two years of eligibility.
Dayton has primarily played centerfield for Utah, thus she will most likely replace four-time All-American Jayda Coleman.
The Sooners were active in the transfer portal, acquiring catcher Isabela Emerling, outfielder Abby Dayton, shortstop Ailana Agbayani, and pitcher Isabella Smith.
We recently did a thorough dive on Ailana Agbayani’s career and future effect. We’ll now go on to Abby Dayton, one of the most awarded players among the incoming transfers. She is coming off her second successful season with the Utes and will join the Sooners with two years of eligibility. Dayton has primarily played centerfield for Utah, thus she will most likely replace four-time All-American Jayda Coleman.
What makes her addition significant?
Dayton uses both a conventional and slap swing at the plate, which has helped her win the Pac-12 hitting championship. In 2024, she had a.431 batting average with two home runs, a.510 on-base percentage, a.599 slugging percentage, and only 12 strikeouts for the Utes.
Her numbers and efforts earned her an NFCA Third-Team All-American, All-Pac 12 First Team, and NFCA All-Pacific Region First Team honors. Her batting average was in the top 15 nationally; the highest Sooner on the list was Ella Parker at 32 with a.415 batting average.
Dayton is not only a dominant player, but also a consistent one. She was one of only four Utes who started all 57 games. She led the conference with six triples, was tied for 13th in the nation, had the league’s second-best on-base percentage (.521), and ended in the top ten in the Pac-12 in hits (72) and walks (27).
Abby Dayton’s experience is likely to be crucial to the Sooners’ season. OU’s outfield will be significantly younger after Coleman and Rylie Boone graduate. Dayton’s impassioned play style, reminiscent of the past ‘chaos coordinators’, positions her as a potential spark plug in the lineup.
Abby Dayton has contributed significantly to Utah in both of her seasons there. Throughout her time with the Utes, she hit.405, with 44 RBIs, 62 runs, 19 stolen bases, and 13 doubles. In 2023, she helped Utah make its first appearance in the Women’s College World Series in 29 years, demonstrating her experience and ability to handle pressure.
Accomplishments before college?
Dayton graduated from Norco High School, which was also attended by former OU catcher Kinzie Hansen. Dayton was a standout in both softball and volleyball. She started all four years for her high school squad and helped them win the state championship in 2019. Dayton also played travel softball with the OC Batbusters, a squad that included several OU players.
