๐ฉ๐ค๐ฅ-๐ง๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ ๐ผ๐ข๐๐ง๐๐๐๐ฃ ๐จ๐ค๐๐ฉ๐๐๐ก๐ก ๐ฅ๐ก๐๐ฎ๐๐ง ๐๐ฃ ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐ฃ๐๐ฉ๐๐ค๐ฃ ๐๐๐จ ๐ค๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ก๐ก๐ฎ ๐๐ค๐ข๐ข๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐ฉ๐ค ๐๐ ๐ก๐๐๐ค๐ข๐ ๐๐ค๐ค๐ฃ๐๐ง๐จ, ๐๐๐ค๐ค๐จ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐๐ค๐ค๐ฃ๐๐ง๐จ ๐ค๐ซ๐๐ง ๐ ๐จ๐ฉ๐ง๐ค๐ฃ๐ ๐ก๐๐ฃ๐๐ช๐ฅ ๐ค๐ ๐ฅ๐ง๐ค๐๐ง๐๐ข๐จ ๐๐ฃ๐๐ก๐ช๐๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐๐ฃ๐ฃ๐๐จ๐จ๐๐, ๐ฝ๐๐, ๐๐ฃ๐
Norman, OK โ June 23, 2025 โ In a high-stakes recruiting victory for head coach Patty Gasso, Kiโele โEleโ HoโChing, one of the nationโs topโranked 2026 infielders (No.โฏ2 infielder, No.โฏ3 overall per On3), has officially committed to the Oklahoma Sooners. HoโChing, who evaluated programs including Tennessee, BYU, and additional elite squads, chose Oklahoma, reinforcing the Soonersโ position as the premier destination for elite softball talent .
Rankings: No.โฏ2 infielder, No.โฏ3 overall in the 2026 class (On3).
Skills: Dynamic infielder with elite defensive acumen, strong arm, and an advanced bat capable of average and power. Brings leadership and poise on the field .
Decision factors: Cited Oklahomaโs winning culture, Gassoโs elite player development, and a long-term roster vision that aligns with her growth ambitions .
๐ What It Means for Oklahoma
Talent pipeline continues: This marks the latest in a string of high-impact 2026 commitments for the Soonersโfollowing pitcher Keegan Baker (No.โฏ18 overall, No.โฏ9 pitcher) and infielder Ori Mailo (No.โฏ40 overall from Hawaii) .
Program momentum: Oklahoma has landed multiple topโranked recruits across 2025 and 2026โKai Minor (topโ5 recruit, outfielder), Lexi McDaniel, Allyssa Parker, Madison Wells, and Sophia Bordiโall affirming the Soonersโ dominant position in national recruiting .
๐ By the Numbers โ 2026 Sooner Commitments:
Keegan Baker โ No.โฏ18 overall, No.โฏ9 pitcher, from Edmond Memorial HS .
Ori Mailo โ No.โฏ40 overall, No.โฏ1 in Hawaii, versatile 1B/3B + pitcher .
Now Kiโele โEleโ HoโChing โ No.โฏ3 overall, stately infield presence .
Sustaining dominance: OK is reinforcing depth and future star powerโeven in its โpostโAloโ eraโas it navigates the SEC.
Recruiting edge: Beating out top programs like Tennessee and BYU showcases the Sooners’ on-field success, facilities, coaching reputation, and development pathways.
Long-term outlook: Expect HoโChing to be a cornerstone of the Soonersโ infield in the midโtoโlate 2020s, further cementing their dynasty.
Kiโele โEleโ HoโChingโs commitment underscores a sweeping trend: Oklahoma is not only winning todayโitโs building for dominance tomorrow. With elite recruits flooding in and Gassoโs program continuing its championship trajectory, the Sooners are shaping up as the team to beat for years to come.ย
