𝗝𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀, 𝗡𝗼.𝟭 𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗸𝗹𝗮𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗮 𝗦𝗼𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘀𝗼𝗳𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗮..

In a major development that has sent shockwaves through the collegiate softball world, James — widely regarded as the No. 1 softball prospect in the nation — has officially committed to the Oklahoma Sooners, bypassing strong offers from powerhouse programs Tennessee and Georgia.

James, a five-tool athlete known for her explosive speed, elite bat control, and defensive versatility, made her announcement during a nationally streamed segment on Thursday afternoon. The announcement ends months of speculation and intense recruiting competition between top-tier SEC and Big 12 programs.

When asked why she ultimately chose Oklahoma, James pointed to a combination of legacy, coaching, and culture that set the Sooners apart.

“Oklahoma just felt like home from the beginning,” James said. “Coach Patty Gasso’s program is more than just about winning. It’s about developing as a person, being held to a championship standard on and off the field, and becoming part of a family that’s built on excellence.”

Oklahoma’s dominance in recent years has not gone unnoticed. With multiple national titles in the last decade, including three consecutive Women’s College World Series (WCWS) championships, the Sooners have built what many consider the strongest dynasty in softball history.

“You look at the banners, the rings, and the players who came before me — names like Jocelyn Alo and Jordy Bahl — and you realize this program produces not just winners, but legends,” James added. “That’s the kind of environment I want to be part of.”

James acknowledged the strength of the offers from Tennessee and Georgia, calling both programs “first class” and praising their staffs. However, she noted that Oklahoma’s sustained success and the way the team carried itself during pressure situations tipped the scale.

“I visited all three schools. Tennessee had an amazing atmosphere, and Georgia’s facilities are elite,” James said. “But watching Oklahoma play — they play with fire and poise. You just know they’re built differently.”

Coach Gasso released a brief statement welcoming James:

“We are thrilled to have a player and person of James’ caliber joining the Sooner family. She embodies everything we value — hard work, humility, and passion for the game.”

With James committing to Oklahoma, the Sooners have further solidified their recruiting dominance and are poised to extend their reign at the top of collegiate softball for years to come.