Welcome: Target as huge as ever on OU softball

The jubilation is over, as OU has officially joined the Southeastern Conference. Okay, it’s time to get to work.

Many OU programs are concerned with increasing competition and being ready to deal with it. But what about softball? The Sooners know.

When you are the four-time defending national champions, conference affiliation is less important.

But indeed, here comes the SEC gauntlet.

State of the OU program

Seven losses, without a doubt, indicate a downward trend. Okay, all jokes aside, OU functions like a machine. Across the board. It’s terrific and wonderful to see everything from administration to coaching, players, and resources. And, obviously, Love’s Field.

However, 2025 will mark a new day and age. Many recognizable faces have bid farewell, hopefully ushering in the next group of names that OU fans will remember for years to come.

Ella Parker and Kasidi Pickering, two 2024 freshmen, may serve as anchors.

“There’s a maturity,” stated head coach Patty Gasso during the postseason. “In the locker room, they don’t talk much. They do listen. They work hard and play smartly. What a great bunch of young freshman to build on as we move into the SEC, so I’m looking forward to it.”

You also have a steady hand in the circle, much like Kierston Deal. Look, OU won’t be short on talent. Whether it’s the eight newcomers or the major transfer portal additions, it won’t be an issue.

Just trying to get them all to work together. The 2024 team took a while to find its footing. Imagine the same difficulty, but for different reasons, in 2025.

Of course, we are all curious about NiJaree Canady. The National Player of the Year hasn’t made a decision. Should Canady choose OU and become the ace? Well, time will tell.

State of the SEC

Loaded. Like, extremely loaded. In May, all participating institutions advanced to the NCAA regional field. Now you’re adding No. 1 Texas and No. 2 Oklahoma, ha.

“Going into the SEC is just a different animal,” Gasso told reporters. “I’m quite excited. I believe everyone here at Oklahoma is excited, but we enjoy competition. We are never terrified of it. We look it in the eye. That’s why our team has had such success. It will make us better.”

It will be another scenario in which you can expect more losses, much like football, and be absolutely fine with it. Scheduling is going to be really interesting. Instead of Texas Tech and Iowa State, you might see Tennessee or Alabama.

It’s going to be an eye opener. But, as Gasso stated, that’s fine. OU will never run away from the struggle.

Consider the semifinals of the Women’s College World Series. Oklahoma, Texas, and Florida. Alabama made the WCWS only after defeating No. 3 Tennessee. For most of the season, Georgia and LSU, as well as Missouri, posed major threats.

Each week in the SEC will feel like a Super Regional. And that’s OK, let’s go.

Biggest challenges facing OU

It’s difficult to respond right now because the OU roster for 2025 is still being finalized. Life with Canady versus life without Canady is a significant difference.

Because every week will seem like the postseason, recovery will be crucial. Physically and mentally. This is why Gasso has worked so hard in recent years to build such a strong pitching staff. You will need it in this league.

For once, Gasso will not have to worry about the schedule’s quality. Some students complained that OU’s timetable was too easy.

It doesn’t get any tougher than what the Sooners are about to embark on in the SEC on a week-to-week basis.