Oklahoma Sooners softball has redefined excellence, crafting a dynasty with eight national championships and a legacy of players who didn’t just play—they transformed the game. From record-shattering home runs to unhittable pitches that left opponents stunned, the crimson and cream have been worn by legends whose names echo through Love’s Field. In a countdown of the top 10 greatest Sooners, based on career stats, awards, and impact per The Oklahoman’s 2025 ranking and NCAA records, we unveil the icons who built OU’s empire. Buckle up—this list, crowned by a player dubbed the “Babe Ruth of OU,” will spark debates and reignite memories.
**10. Sydney Romero (2016-19)**: A sparkplug at second base, Romero’s .375 career batting average ranks fifth in OU history, with 320 hits (second all-time), 58 doubles (first), and 54 home runs (fifth). A three-time All-American and key to the 2016 and 2017 national titles, she led the nation in 2019 with 154 total bases. **9. Jessica Shults (2010-13)**: The 2012 NFCA Diamond Catcher of the Year, Shults smashed 61 home runs (third all-time at OU) and set a freshman record with 15 in 2010. Her clutch hitting powered OU’s 2013 championship. **8. Shelby Pendley (2013-15)**: A versatile infielder, Pendley’s .371 average, 61 home runs, and 2013 WCWS All-Tournament nod made her a force. Her transfer from Arizona fueled OU’s 2013 title run. **7. Paige Parker (2015-18)**: A pitching dynamo, Parker’s 968 strikeouts (second all-time) and 1.43 ERA anchored OU’s 2016 and 2017 titles. The 2016 Big 12 Pitcher of the Year went 38-4 as a freshman. **6. Tiare Jennings (2021-24)**: A four-time All-American, Jennings hit .401 with 96 home runs (third in NCAA history) and 305 RBIs, starring in OU’s four-peat (2021-24). Her 2021 WCWS Most Outstanding Player award sealed her legacy.
**5. Cydney Sanders (2022-25)**: A 2025 returner, Sanders’ .389 WCWS average and 2023 All-American honors at first base highlight her impact. Her 45 home runs and leadership through OU’s 2025 semifinal run (53-7) earned her a spot, per Soonersports.com. **4. Kinzie Hansen (2020-24)**: The heart behind the plate, Hansen’s .407 career average and 2024 Gold Glove cemented her as OU’s greatest catcher. Her 37 home runs and clutch defense powered the four-peat. **3. Lauren Chamberlain (2012-15)**: Once the NCAA home run queen with 95, Chamberlain’s .960 slugging percentage (second all-time) and three All-American nods defined OU’s 2013 title. Despite injuries, she was a 2013 USA Softball Player of the Year finalist. **2. Jocelyn Alo (2018-22)**: The NCAA’s all-time home run leader (122), Alo’s .987 slugging percentage and 323 RBIs (second all-time) are unmatched. A two-time USA Softball Player of the Year, she fueled OU’s 2021 and 2022 titles, earning “legend” status on X posts like @SoonerFanatic’s “Alo is softball’s GOAT.”
**1. Keilani Ricketts (2010-13)**: Dubbed OU’s “Babe Ruth” by The Oklahoman, Ricketts is the greatest Sooner ever. The two-time USA Softball Player of the Year and 2013 Honda Cup winner dominated as a pitcher (1.26 ERA, 1,605 strikeouts—OU’s all-time leader) and hitter (.503 on-base percentage). Her 2013 WCWS title-clinching performance, with 11 strikeouts against Tennessee, gave fans chills. X users like @OU4Life called her “untouchable in the circle and at the plate.” Controversially, 2025 stars like Ella Parker (No. 42) and Kasidi Pickering (No. 43) made The Oklahoman’s top 50 but not the top 10, as their careers are still unfolding, per Jenni Carlson’s analysis. This list, blending stats and legacy, cements OU’s dynasty as a factory of icons who’ve left opponents silent and fans roaring.