Fresh off winning her second Women’s College World Series, Jordy Bahl announced her plans to “return home” on Monday. The sophomore pitcher—who helped Oklahoma defeat Florida State 3-1 and win its third consecutive national championship last Thursday—later announced on Thursday will transfer to Nebraska for her junior season.
After 2 years of wonderful memories, I’m excited for 2 more representing the Nebraska Cornhuskers. This state, these people, and this N are all things I’m excited, proud, and thankful to be a part of. @HuskerSoftball pic.twitter.com/TctJwJgik3
— Jordyn Bahl (@jordybahl) June 15, 2023
Bahl, a graduate of Papillion-La Vista, has an impressive resume. In high school, she was named the Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year for the 2020-21 school year, as well as the Gatorade Nebraska Player of the Year for 2019-20 and 2020-21. She was also the consensus No. 1 prospect in the class of 2021 and helped lead Papillion-La Vista to three straight Class A state titles.
Her success extended to her time at Oklahoma, where she pitched 141.1 innings as a freshman with 33 appearances and 205 strikeouts. She had a 21-1 record as a freshman and was the winning pitcher in the 2022 WCWS title game. While Bahl suffered a late-season stress fracture her freshman season, limiting her postseason appearances, she was still named the NFCA DI freshman of the year.
Her stellar performances continued through her sophomore season — she posted a 22-1 record with four saves — and ended with another WCWS win. Bahl started three out of Oklahoma’s five games in Oklahoma City and pitched 24.2 innings in the WCWS. She delivered 33 strikeouts and only allowed 12 hits and walked four batters. Bahl didn’t allow a single run, becoming the first pitcher since 1992 to work at least 20 innings at the WCWS without giving up a run.
Her sophomore season concluded with being named Most Outstanding Player of the Women’s College World Series.
Oklahoma coach Patty Gasso spoke with ESPN following the win, saying this is something Bahl worked tirelessly for.
“She’s always wished that she could have this moment and she’s dreamed of it,” Gasso said on Thursday. “I think it looked just like this, or even bigger than she expected. I can’t tell you how proud I am of her and all the expectations that lay on her all the time.
“She is just one of the best pitchers I’ve ever seen.”
Bahl was once committed to the Huskers, having committed to the team the summer before her freshman year of high school. She later decommitted, saying the decision was “scary” but one that allowed her to find the best fit for herself at that time.
That decision and journey now has Bahl returning home to Nebraska.
“The entire Nebraska softball team is thrilled to have Jordy join the Red Team,” Nebraska softball head coach Rhonda Revelle said in a statement. “Jordy is an amazing young woman, teammate and athlete who we know is an incredible addition to our team both on and off the field.
“Having known Jordy for several years, we have not been surprised by her accomplishments as she has always been the epitome of a driven, determined and laser-focused competitor. Jordy is a winner on the inside and out, and she uplifts and inspires all who are around her. This is a wonderful day for Husker Nation to welcome back our homegrown Husker Jordy Bahl.”
"It's just inside, and it comes out sometimes." @jordybahl after winning 2023 Women's College World Series MOP for @OU_Softball.#WCWS pic.twitter.com/RGtDzTEQZZ
— NCAA Softball (@NCAASoftball) June 9, 2023
