Patty Gasso releases statement following Oklahoma star Jordy Bahl entering NCAA Transfer Portal

On Monday, Oklahoma softball superstar Jordy Bahl announced that she will enter the NCAA Transfer Portal.

While the move shocked many, it’s for a great reason, as Bahl is intending to move closer to home to continue playing. Still, it stings in Norman, as the Nebraska native was a key cog to the Sooners’ latest national championship.

Nevertheless, there’s no hard feelings between Bahl and Oklahoma leader Patty Gasso, as she released. statement following the news wishing her now-former star the best of luck.

Statement from #OU HC Patty Gasso on Jordy Bahl: pic.twitter.com/jwLP0wxdvO

— Bob Przybylo (@BPrzybylo) June 12, 2023

“Jordy shared with our staff on Friday that she has been feeling a strong need to be closer to home for quite some time and that she planned to enter the transfer portal,” read Gasso’s statement. “It was a very candid and emotional conversation in which we both communicated our love and appreciation for each other. We are grateful for her two years with our program and for everything she accomplished. She obviously was a huge part of our on-field success, but what I’I always appreciate most about Jordy is her approach and dedication to the game, as she’s the ultimate competitor.

“We’re understanding of her situation and certainly want her to be the happiest she can be. We are supportive of her and she will always be part of the OU Softball family.”

It’s easy to see why Gasso has so much love for Bahl, who was one of the best players in college sports as a whole over her time in Norman.

Moreover, the love is reciprocated from Bahl, as her own statement was emotional in it’s own right.

“Nothing will compare to what this year and this team have been,” Bahl wrote, shared to Twitter. “From staring defeat in the eyes and never giving in, the behind the scenes grind, handling the mounting pressure that only grows each year, only the girls on this team will ever be able to fully understand. That is why this is such a bittersweet thing to do. I have decided to return home and play the game I love, closer to the things that have made me who I am and that have always been more important to me than this game. The most important thing in my life after my faith, is my family. For the last 2 years, despite the amazing opportunities and accomplishments, my love for home and the acknowledgment of my foundation have grown. Being away from these things has been very tough. Through the constant battles that the outsiders do not see, my teammates and coaches were always understanding, loving, and nothing but supportive.

“The bond developed with these girls can never, and will never be broken. My sisters in Christ. My respect for this program and how they do things the right way, and play the game with an unapologetic passion are all things I have learned and will take with me. My heart is full of gratitude and love for the girls, coaches, and people at the University of Oklahoma. I am excited to return home and be Jordy Bahl the softball player, but more importantly the person. I am excited thinking about growing the game that has provided me so many opportunities for growth, in the home state, a current overlooked state for girls in softball at all ages, and I am excited to finish the softball journey right where it began.”

We can’t wait to see what’s next for Jordy Bahl. We’re sure she’ll remain spectacular wherever softball takes her moving forward.