In a monumental decision that has sent shockwaves through the world of collegiate softball, the nationโs No. 1 overall recruit, Alyssa Ramirez, has officially committed to play for the Oklahoma Sooners, according to ESPN. The 18-year-old phenom from Cypress, California, had been courted by nearly every major softball program in the country, including Florida State, Tennessee, and UCLA, but ultimately chose to join the reigning national champions in Norman.
Ramirez, a 5-foot-9 shortstop known for her explosive bat and lightning-quick reflexes on defense, announced her decision in a nationally televised interview on Monday morning. โItโs been a dream of mine to play at the highest level, and Oklahoma offers everything I was looking for โ elite coaching, a winning culture, and a fan base that lives and breathes softball,โ Ramirez said. โCoach Gasso has built something really special, and I want to be a part of it.โ
Over her high school career, Ramirez posted jaw-dropping numbers, batting .587 with 28 home runs and 62 RBIs in her senior season alone. Her athleticism and leadership earned her the Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year and comparisons to former Sooners greats like Jocelyn Alo and Keilani Ricketts.
Oklahoma head coach Patty Gasso, who recently celebrated her eighth national title, called Ramirez โone of the most complete players Iโve ever scouted.โ
โSheโs a game-changer โ not just on the field but in the clubhouse,โ Gasso said in a statement. โHer maturity, drive, and love for the game align perfectly with our culture here at OU. We canโt wait to get her in the crimson and cream.โ
Florida State, Tennessee, and UCLA were believed to be finalists in Ramirezโs recruitment, with Florida State reportedly offering a full academic-athletic hybrid scholarship. Still, Ramirez said her visit to Norman โsealed the deal.โ
โThe moment I stepped onto campus, I felt it โ the energy, the legacy, the sisterhood,โ she said. โIt just felt like home.โ
Ramirez is expected to join the Soonersโ 2026 roster and is already being projected as a freshman starter. With her commitment, Oklahoma strengthens its grip as the dominant force in college softball โ and adds yet another chapter to its growing dynasty.
