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North Carolina transfer catcher Isabela Emerling commits to Oklahoma

ns_headshot_2024-clearby:Nick Schultz•06/21/24•

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North Carolina transfer catcher Isabela Emerling
Photo courtesy of North Carolina Athletics

North Carolina transfer catcher/infielder Isabela Emerling committed to Oklahoma Friday, she announced via social media. She’s coming off a standout season with the Tar Heels, hitting 14 home runs.

Emerling was largely a starter during her three seasons at UNC, but put up her best numbers this past season as a redshirt sophomore. She had a .323 batting average to go with her 14 home runs and 53 RBI.

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With Kinzie Hansen now out of eligibility after helping OU to a four-peat, Patty Gasso appears to have her replacement behind the plate. Emerling can also play the infield after playing some first base while in Chapel Hill.

Emerling didn’t play during her freshman season in 2022 due to an injury, but preserved her redshirt and will have two years of eligibility remaining. She arrived at North Carolina as a highly touted recruit, coming in as a Top-10 prospect, according to FloSoftball.

Oklahoma preparing for change in 2025

Oklahoma is coming off a historic fourth national championship this past season, becoming the first program to ever accomplish such a feat. Amid the run, and as they head to the SEC, the Sooners will see some changes after the senior class exhausted its eligibility.

Hansen isn’t the only player set to leave OU. The rest of the Core Five – Rylie Boone, Jayda Coleman, Tiare Jennings and Nicole May – are also on their way out. In addition, Women’s College World Series Most Outstanding Player Kelly Maxwell is also leaving after one year in Norman as a graduate transfer.

All told, 10 seniors are gearing up to graduate. That means Gasso is preparing to reload, and Emerling is another part of that process.

Oklahoma has been linked to multiple players in the portal, most notably pitcher NiJaree Canady. The reigning USA Softball Pitcher of the Year hit the open market on Monday before the transfer window officially closed, and with so much talent leaving from the circle, OU could look to make a big splash by adding the former Stanford star.

Washington shortstop Rylee Holtorf could also be a target, according to SoonerScoop’s Bob Przybylo. She had an impressive 2024 season with a .336 batting average, 11 home runs and 25 RBI before entering the portal. Texas Tech catcher Kailey Wyckoff was also a potential target for Oklahoma before Isabela Emerling announced her commitment.