Introduction
As the Oklahoma Sooners softball team gears up for the 2023 season, fans are eagerly anticipating the release of the team’s roster. With a strong group of returning players and some promising new recruits, the 2023 squad is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent years. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what fans can expect from the OU softball roster in 2023.
Returning Players
One of the biggest strengths of the 2023 OU softball team is its group of returning players. The Sooners will be led by senior pitcher Giselle Juarez, who is coming off a dominant season in which she posted a 1.31 ERA and 306 strikeouts. Juarez will be joined by fellow seniors Jocelyn Alo and Tiare Jennings, who both had impressive seasons at the plate in 2022. Other key returning players include junior infielder Grace Lyons and sophomore outfielder Jayda Coleman.
New Recruits
In addition to its talented group of returning players, the OU softball team has also added some promising new recruits to its roster for the 2023 season. One of the most highly anticipated additions is freshman pitcher Audrey LeClair, who was ranked as the No. 13 prospect in the class of 2023 by FloSoftball. LeClair is expected to make an immediate impact on the Sooners’ pitching staff. Other notable recruits include infielders Jaley Boeckman and Kiersten Hansen, and outfielder Alexis Perry.
Position Battles
With a deep and talented roster, the OU softball team is sure to have some intense position battles in the lead up to the 2023 season. One of the most closely watched battles will be for the starting catcher position, as both junior Kinzie Hansen and freshman Rylie Boone will be vying for the job. Another position to watch will be second base, where freshman Jaley Boeckman and junior Mackenzie Donihoo will be competing for playing time.
Outlook for the Season
With a talented mix of returning players and promising new recruits, the OU softball team is poised for a strong season in 2023. The Sooners will once again be one of the top teams in the country and will be aiming for their fifth national championship in program history. Fans can expect to see some exciting softball from this talented group of players.