Patty Gasso’s reload in Norman is off to a scorching begin.
After signing one of many nation’s most proficient recruiting lessons to refresh the roster in 2025, the eight-time nationwide champion coach landed an All-American out of the switch portal.
Former Utah outfielder Abby Dayton formally introduced her dedication to OU on Sunday.
Dayton earned NFCA Third Crew All-American honors in 2024 after mowing down the Pac-12.
She led the convention with a .444 common season batting common, and she or he ended the 12 months with an on-base share of .510.
Although Dayton solely hit two homer runs, she racked up 72 complete hits together with 10 doubles and 6 triples, whereas ending the 12 months with a 1.109 OPS.
She additionally earned First Crew All-Pac-12 Honors in 2024.
A graduate of Norco Excessive Faculty in Riverside, CA, Dayton could have two remaining years of eligibility for the Sooners.
OU misplaced famous person outfielders Jayda Coleman and Rylie Boone to commencement following the shut of the 2024 season, however Dayton tasks to start out alongside Hannah Coor and Kasidi Pickering subsequent 12 months whereas quite a few freshman will push the upperclassman for enjoying time.
First baseman Cydney Sanders and designated participant Ella Parker are slated to return to OU’s lineup, paired with beginning pitcher Kierston Deal.
The Sooners are returning eight complete gamers from the 2024 roster and Oklahoma signed eight freshmen within the 2024 class.
Dayton is the second newcomer this week to hitch Gasso’s rebuild, becoming a member of former North Carolina catcher Isabela Emerling. Gasso has been actively pursuing different switch candidates and will anticipate so as to add extra names quickly.