In a surprising move, promising Oklahoma C/UT Jocelyn Erickson has decided to enter the transfer portal, leaving behind her freshman season at OU. As a key contributor to the Sooners’ lineup, Erickson showcased her versatility by playing in 52 games and starting 32 of them. While her natural position is catcher, she mainly occupied first base during her debut year, impressing with a .323 batting average, ten doubles, seven home runs, 24 runs scored, and 31 RBIs.
Meanwhile, Texas A&M has made a significant addition to their coaching staff by hiring Eric Leyba as an assistant coach. Leyba brings a wealth of experience from his time at Oregon State, where he played a role in the team’s successful journey to the Women’s College World Series in 2022. With a focus on infielders and hitters, Leyba is set to fill the void left by Joe Guthrie, who specialized in coaching the Aggies’ defense.
In another coaching shakeup, Marshall University has appointed Morgan Zerkle as the new head coach for their softball program. As an alumna of Marshall and a former Thundering Herd player, Zerkle returns to her roots to lead the team. Her recent four-year stint as an assistant coach at Miami Ohio, where she contributed to three consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, has prepared her for this exciting opportunity to guide the Thundering Herd to future success.
Oklahoma State softball coach Kenny Gajewski has made a significant signing, bringing in Macy Graf to bolster the Cowgirls’ roster. Originally from Aledo, Texas, Graf displayed her skills during her freshman year at Mississippi State in 2023. With a .291 batting average, a .450 on-base percentage, and a .407 slugging percentage, Graf made her mark primarily as an infielder. Her ability to reach base in 30 games and rank fifth on the team in runs scored will undoubtedly enhance the Oklahoma State lineup.
As the softball landscape experiences these player transfers, coaching hires, and new signings, fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming season to witness the impact these changes will have on their favorite teams. The softball world is buzzing with anticipation, ready to embrace the new chapter that awaits.
