Catcher Riley Ludlam coming to Sooners softball
OK, the ‘Go Boomer’ alerts are all caught up for Sooners softball. Oklahoma added its second transfer in as many days.
Former Furman catcher Riley Ludlam announced her commitment to the Sooners on Instagram on Thursday afternoon.
“Better Sooner than later” was how Ludlam phrased it on her post.
This checks off the box for depth at catcher. Head coach Patty Gasso knew she needed to hit the spot after Sophia Nugent left for Tennessee. Kinzie Hansen is as good as it gets, proving that again in 2023, but she needs a breather every now and then.
Ludlam can provide that and then some. During her senior season last year, she hit .372 with 10 home runs and 41 RBIs. She also had a .988 fielding percentage, showing she should fit in just fine with the three-time defending national champions.
Ludlam joins former Wisconsin pitcher Paytn Monticelli in picking OU in the transfer portal during this week. It will be interesting to see if the Sooners target anybody else in the portal. OU has been aggressive, hosting numerous elite transfers in recent weeks.
Top 10
- 1Trending
Connor Stalions x Bryce Underwood
Photo ignites social media
- 2
Saban warns A&M
Jordan-Hare 'is haunted'
- 3
Vince Young calls shot
Horns legend predicts Kentucky game score
- 4Hot
Kiffin trolls Napier
Ole Miss HC texts Kirk Herbstreit to fire shot
- 5
College GameDay picks
Lee Corso dons Indiana helmet
Aviu coming back to Norman
Transfers has been the only news for OU. The Sooners are also welcoming a familiar face back home with Fale Aviu being named an assistant coach.
“I’m very grateful we’re able to welcome back Falepolima to our staff,” said Gasso in a press release. “She’s a Sooner through and through, and she made an incredibly positive impact on our program as a player and leader for four years and as a graduate assistant during the 2021-22 school year, helping us win three national championships.
“But her success isn’t limited to OU. I’m proud of the growth and development she exhibited as a member of North Carolina’s staff this past year. She’s extremely talented and has so much to offer our players. We’re incredibly excited she’s back home and I know she can’t wait to get started.”
Aviu was a four-year starter for the Sooners and said she can’t wait to come back home.
“I’m honored and blessed to be back at the University of Oklahoma,” said Aviu. “I can’t wait to learn and grow from the same coaches who helped mold me as a player and a coach. I’m grateful for this opportunity and excited to get to work. This program and these fans mean everything to me. Sooner Nation, it’s good to be home.”
