Head coach Patty Gasso and Oklahoma secured their first transfer commitment for the 2025 season last Friday. Isabela Emerling, formerly a catcher at the University of North Carolina, announced via X message (formerly Twitter) that she would be joining Oklahoma for the upcoming season. She brings with her two years of eligibility.
During her time at North Carolina, Emerling was a standout performer, leading the team in the previous season with 14 home runs and boasting impressive stats including a .323 batting average, 53 runs batted in, a .685 slugging percentage, and an OPS of 1.103. Her 53 RBI tied a record for the most in a single season in UNC softball history. Hailing from Martinez, California, Emerling also saw action at first base for the Tar Heels and recorded 13 multi-RBI games and 11 multi-hit games in the 2024 season.
Emerling’s addition addresses a crucial need for Oklahoma at the catcher position following the departure of Kinzie Hansen, a five-season veteran and key player in four national championship victories. Hansen concluded her Sooner career with 60 home runs, hitting above .400 in four of her five seasons. The team also bids farewell to backup catcher Riley Ludlam due to graduation. Furthermore, freshman Jocelyn Erickson, who was expected to succeed Hansen, transferred to Florida, where she earned recognition as the SEC Player of the Year in 2024 and helped guide the Gators to the Women’s College World Series.
In addition to Emerling, Oklahoma’s 2024 recruiting class includes Corri Hicks and Riley Zache, both catchers, bolstering the team’s depth in preparation for the upcoming seasons.
