In a seismic shift sure to shake up the landscape of collegiate softball, the nation’s No. 1 ranked player, **Ava “Ace” Delgado**, has officially committed to the University of Oklahoma, ending months of speculation and an intense recruiting battle among top-tier programs. Delgado, a flame-throwing right-hander with a devastating rise ball and a .520 batting average, made her announcement via social media this morning, posting a photo in Sooners crimson with the caption: *“Home. #BoomerSooner.”*
Delgado, a senior at Vista Ridge High School in California, had narrowed her list to four powerhouse programs: Oklahoma, Tennessee, Florida State, and Georgia. All four schools made aggressive pushes in recent months, with official visits, NIL opportunities, and strong academic packages on the table. Ultimately, it was the Sooners’ championship pedigree and dynamic team culture that sealed the deal.
“I felt it the second I stepped on campus,” Delgado said in an exclusive interview with ESPN. “The energy in Norman is different. Coach Gasso’s legacy speaks for itself, and I know I’ll become not only a better athlete but a better person there.”
Head coach **Patty Gasso**, who has led Oklahoma to seven national championships, called Delgado “a generational talent” and “a perfect fit for the Sooners’ tradition of dominance and excellence.” Gasso noted Delgado’s fierce competitiveness, leadership qualities, and versatility at the plate as reasons she’ll make an immediate impact.
Delgado’s commitment solidifies Oklahoma’s position atop the 2025 recruiting rankings, with four other top-25 prospects already signed. Analysts have called this recruiting class “potentially historic.”
“She’s a game-changer,” said ESPN softball analyst Amanda Scarborough. “Ava has the ability to come in as a freshman and anchor both the circle and the middle of the lineup. It’s rare to see a player dominate on both sides of the ball at this level.”
Fans across the softball world are already buzzing about the future of the Sooners. Social media lit up moments after the announcement, with Sooner Nation flooding platforms with welcome messages, videos, and even custom graphics celebrating the new star.
As for Delgado, her focus now returns to finishing her high school career strong, with her eyes on a state title and then, eventually, the Women’s College World Series.
“I’m ready,” she said. “Let’s make history.”
