In a revealing conversation with ESPN, standout left-handed pitcher Kierston Deal opened up about her decision to commit to the University of Oklahoma, a program that has become synonymous with dominance in NCAA softball. The decision, Deal explained, boiled down to two key reasons: a winning culture and elite player development.
The Florida native had no shortage of prestigious offers. Programs like Tennessee, Florida, LSU, and several other SEC powerhouses pursued her with intensity. But Deal, ranked among the top high school pitchers in the country at the time of her recruitment, had her eyes fixed on something bigger than just personal accolades—she wanted championships and growth.
“The Winning Culture”
Deal pointed to Oklahoma’s proven track record of success as her first major deciding factor. “What Coach [Patty] Gasso has built in Norman is special,” Deal said. “It’s not just about winning—it’s about how they win. The culture, the standards, the expectation to give your best every single day… it’s something I wanted to be part of.”
Since 2013, the Sooners have consistently been at the top of the collegiate softball world, winning multiple Women’s College World Series (WCWS) titles and producing numerous All-Americans. The environment fostered by Coach Gasso and her staff has become a magnet for elite recruits nationwide.
“Player Development at the Highest Level”
The second reason Deal cited was Oklahoma’s unmatched ability to develop talent. “When I looked at the way they developed pitchers, hitters, and even the mental side of the game, it was clear they were different,” she said. “The individualized attention and the resources they offer… I knew I’d become the best version of myself there.”
Oklahoma’s focus on holistic athlete development—from biomechanics to mental performance coaching—set it apart from even the best programs in the SEC. Deal noted that several current and former Sooners pitchers reached new levels under the guidance of pitching coach Jennifer Rocha, something she envisioned for her own career.
While schools like LSU, Florida, and Tennessee offered proximity to home and rich traditions of their own, Oklahoma offered something unique: a championship pedigree and a development-focused philosophy that aligned perfectly with Deal’s long-term goals.
Now firmly embedded in the Sooners’ roster, Deal is looking to help write the next chapter of Oklahoma’s storied legacy—one pitch at a time.
