Oklahoma Sooners freshman pitcher Audrey Lowry is embracing a newfound sense of freedom as she prepares for NCAA regional play. After overcoming early-season struggles and a muscle injury, Lowry has emerged as a key contributor for the Sooners, showcasing resilience and determination in the circle.
Lowry’s journey this season has been marked by ups and downs. Entering her freshman year with high expectations, she was seen as a potential ace for Oklahoma. However, injuries and inconsistency initially hindered her performance. Despite these challenges, Lowry has worked tirelessly to regain her footing, and her recent outings suggest she is peaking at the right time.
One of her standout performances came in the SEC Tournament, where she pitched three no-hit innings in relief against Arkansas, helping the Sooners secure a dramatic comeback victory [A](https://lebronwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/sooners/2025/05/15/ou-softball-audrey-lowry-ncaa-tournament-bracket-norman-regional-sooners/83626822007/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJSd045N0JpYmRmS1RINXdDbXZYenEiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiZmJjaG9lTWQ2djd0WXJYaFJLMjhWIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrU291cmNlIjoiY2l0YXRpb25MaW5rIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvbGVicm9ud2lyZS51c2F0b2RheS5jb21cL3N0b3J5XC9zcG9ydHNcL2NvbGxlZ2VcL3Nvb25lcnNcLzIwMjVcLzA1XC8xNVwvb3Utc29mdGJhbGwtYXVkcmV5LWxvd3J5LW5jYWEtdG91cm5hbWVudC1icmFja2V0LW5vcm1hbi1yZWdpb25hbC1zb29uZXJzXC84MzYyNjgyMjAwN1wvIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Her ability to stay composed under pressure has drawn comparisons to past Oklahoma greats, and her coach, Patty Gasso, has praised her for having the “it factor” that allows her to thrive in high-stakes moments [A](https://lebronwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/sooners/2025/05/15/ou-softball-audrey-lowry-ncaa-tournament-bracket-norman-regional-sooners/83626822007/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiZmJjaG9lTWQ2djd0WXJYaFJLMjhWIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NvbnZlcnNhdGlvbklkIjoiUndOOTdCaWJkZktUSDV3Q212WHpxIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvbGVicm9ud2lyZS51c2F0b2RheS5jb21cL3N0b3J5XC9zcG9ydHNcL2NvbGxlZ2VcL3Nvb25lcnNcLzIwMjVcLzA1XC8xNVwvb3Utc29mdGJhbGwtYXVkcmV5LWxvd3J5LW5jYWEtdG91cm5hbWVudC1icmFja2V0LW5vcm1hbi1yZWdpb25hbC1zb29uZXJzXC84MzYyNjgyMjAwN1wvIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrU291cmNlIjoiY2l0YXRpb25MaW5rIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
Lowry attributes much of her success to the unwavering support of her teammates and coaching staff. She has leaned on fellow players and pitching coach Jennifer Rocha to refine her mechanics and build confidence. The Sooners have implemented daily breathing exercises to help players manage stress and maintain focus, a strategy that has been particularly beneficial for Lowry [A](https://lebronwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/sooners/2025/05/15/ou-softball-audrey-lowry-ncaa-tournament-bracket-norman-regional-sooners/83626822007/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJSd045N0JpYmRmS1RINXdDbXZYenEiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiZmJjaG9lTWQ2djd0WXJYaFJLMjhWIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrU291cmNlIjoiY2l0YXRpb25MaW5rIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvbGVicm9ud2lyZS51c2F0b2RheS5jb21cL3N0b3J5XC9zcG9ydHNcL2NvbGxlZ2VcL3Nvb25lcnNcLzIwMjVcLzA1XC8xNVwvb3Utc29mdGJhbGwtYXVkcmV5LWxvd3J5LW5jYWEtdG91cm5hbWVudC1icmFja2V0LW5vcm1hbi1yZWdpb25hbC1zb29uZXJzXC84MzYyNjgyMjAwN1wvIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1) up for NCAA regional.
As Oklahoma gears play at Love’s Field, Lowry’s resurgence comes at a crucial time. The Sooners have faced inconsistency in the pitching circle outside of standout performer Sam Landry, making Lowry’s contributions even more vital [A](https://lebronwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/sooners/2025/05/15/ou-softball-audrey-lowry-ncaa-tournament-bracket-norman-regional-sooners/83626822007/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tEZXN0aW5hdGlvbiI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9sZWJyb253aXJlLnVzYXRvZGF5LmNvbVwvc3RvcnlcL3Nwb3J0c1wvY29sbGVnZVwvc29vbmVyc1wvMjAyNVwvMDVcLzE1XC9vdS1zb2Z0YmFsbC1hdWRyZXktbG93cnktbmNhYS10b3VybmFtZW50LWJyYWNrZXQtbm9ybWFuLXJlZ2lvbmFsLXNvb25lcnNcLzgzNjI2ODIyMDA3XC8iLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJSd045N0JpYmRmS1RINXdDbXZYenEiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiZmJjaG9lTWQ2djd0WXJYaFJLMjhWIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). With her recent momentum, she is expected to play a significant role in Oklahoma’s postseason run.
Beyond her technical skills, Lowry’s mental approach has been a defining factor in her turnaround. She has embraced a mindset of playing freely, focusing on enjoying the game rather than succumbing to pressure. This shift has allowed her to perform with confidence and poise, qualities that will be essential as the Sooners navigate the challenges of the NCAA tournament [A](https://lebronwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/sooners/2025/05/15/ou-softball-audrey-lowry-ncaa-tournament-bracket-norman-regional-sooners/83626822007/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tEZXN0aW5hdGlvbiI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9sZWJyb253aXJlLnVzYXRvZGF5LmNvbVwvc3RvcnlcL3Nwb3J0c1wvY29sbGVnZVwvc29vbmVyc1wvMjAyNVwvMDVcLzE1XC9vdS1zb2Z0YmFsbC1hdWRyZXktbG93cnktbmNhYS10b3VybmFtZW50LWJyYWNrZXQtbm9ybWFuLXJlZ2lvbmFsLXNvb25lcnNcLzgzNjI2ODIyMDA3XC8iLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJSd045N0JpYmRmS1RINXdDbXZYenEiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiZmJjaG9lTWQ2djd0WXJYaFJLMjhWIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
Her teammates have also recognized her growth, with fellow freshman Sydney Barker noting the remarkable progress Lowry has made since their high school days [A](https://lebronwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/sooners/2025/05/15/ou-softball-audrey-lowry-ncaa-tournament-bracket-norman-regional-sooners/83626822007/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tEZXN0aW5hdGlvbiI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9sZWJyb253aXJlLnVzYXRvZGF5LmNvbVwvc3RvcnlcL3Nwb3J0c1wvY29sbGVnZVwvc29vbmVyc1wvMjAyNVwvMDVcLzE1XC9vdS1zb2Z0YmFsbC1hdWRyZXktbG93cnktbmNhYS10b3VybmFtZW50LWJyYWNrZXQtbm9ybWFuLXJlZ2lvbmFsLXNvb25lcnNcLzgzNjI2ODIyMDA3XC8iLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiZmJjaG9lTWQ2djd0WXJYaFJLMjhWIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NvbnZlcnNhdGlvbklkIjoiUndOOTdCaWJkZktUSDV3Q212WHpxIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Barker, who played alongside Lowry in the PGF All-American Game, has witnessed firsthand how her dedication and perseverance have shaped her into a formidable competitor.
With the NCAA regional tournament underway, all eyes will be on Lowry as she continues to build on her recent success. If she can maintain her current form, she has the potential to be a game-changer for Oklahoma, helping the team advance deeper into the postseason.
As the Sooners chase another championship, Lowry’s journey serves as a testament to resilience and the power of perseverance. Her ability to overcome adversity and embrace the moment makes her a player to watch, and her contributions could be instrumental in Oklahoma’s quest for glory [A](https://lebronwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/sooners/2025/05/15/ou-softball-audrey-lowry-ncaa-tournament-bracket-norman-regional-sooners/83626822007/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiZmJjaG9lTWQ2djd0WXJYaFJLMjhWIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvbGVicm9ud2lyZS51c2F0b2RheS5jb21cL3N0b3J5XC9zcG9ydHNcL2NvbGxlZ2VcL3Nvb25lcnNcLzIwMjVcLzA1XC8xNVwvb3Utc29mdGJhbGwtYXVkcmV5LWxvd3J5LW5jYWEtdG91cm5hbWVudC1icmFja2V0LW5vcm1hbi1yZWdpb25hbC1zb29uZXJzXC84MzYyNjgyMjAwN1wvIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NvbnZlcnNhdGlvbklkIjoiUndOOTdCaWJkZktUSDV3Q212WHpxIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
