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Oklahoma softball: Grace Lyons leads OU, while reflecting her faith

By Connor Pasby

Oklahoma's Grace Lyons (3) is greeted at home by teammates after hitting a home run in the fifth inning of a Bedlam softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Oklahoma State University Cowgirls (OSU) at Marita Hynes Field in Norman, Okla., Friday, May 6, 2022. Oklahoma won 6-0.Bedlam Softball
Oklahoma's Grace Lyons (3) is greeted at home by teammates after hitting a home run in the fifth inning of a Bedlam softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Oklahoma State University Cowgirls (OSU) at Marita Hynes Field in Norman, Okla., Friday, May 6, 2022. Oklahoma won 6-0.Bedlam Softball /
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Oklahoma softball has been making history in the 2022 season and has leaders stepping up in a big way. No bigger, though, than senior shortstop Grace Lyons.

We’ve pretty much seen Lyons develop in front of our eyes. After making an All-Big 12 Freshmen Team in 2019, Lyons has developed each year as a Sooner. Now as a senior, Lyons is second on the team with a .437 batting average, second behind Jocelyn Alo in hits with 47, and ranks third in homers with 17, tied for 13th most in Division I softball.

She has progressed each year in her time at Oklahoma and has proven to be one of the best shortstops in the game.

We may see all the miraculous plays on the field, but It’s more than just softball for Lyons. Its setting an example for other college athletes, with her faith.

The talented, highlight-reel shortstop has been doing it all for Oklahoma, while glorifying God on and off the field. “I love the life I live with Jesus as my cornerstone. Because I have a purpose that drives me to share the good news with everyone that I come in contact with,” Lyons said in a post on the “Athletes for Christ” website.

Before the 2022 season, Lyons started her own brand (BATL), which stands for “Boast About the Lord”. Her brand website consists of connecting her passion of faith and softball, while gettin g people to support her mission by buying merchandise, attending clinics, or prayers.

Lyons has been a huge part of the Sooners’ historical season, but it makes it more soothing how she carries herself on and off the field. The senior continues to shine in Norman and is making an impact on her teammates and the community.

"“First of all, I wouldn’t be here at this level and at this University without the talents and abilities God has blessed me with. So every day I’m out on that field, my goal is to glorify God with every second I’m out there,” Lyons said."

Not only does Grace Lyons have her own brand, but she started “The Players Conference,” which is a gathering for other college athletes to talk about their faith. Lyons wants to be known for more than just her incredible plays, and clutch hitting on the diamond. She wants to touch the hearts of the people around her.

She has done just that. Head coach Patty Gasso continues to express how important Grace Lyons is to this Sooners team, and how they play through her. It speaks volumes when Gasso calls you “the best shortstop I have ever seen.” Lyons will go down as the best shortstop to ever play at OU, but it’s more than just a game for her.

"“The biggest impact I hope to have is that people can see Jesus shining through me. I want to live a consistent life in my faith and also in my sport. While I may not have all the answers, I want to be a resource for teammates to learn about and talk about Jesus whenever they want to. When people see me, I want them to see Jesus.”"

As Oklahoma gets ready to continue its dominant 2022 run, Lyons will be carrying her faith and leading her teammates into the postseason. The Sooners will have a bye in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament, and will play the winner of Baylor/Iowa State on Friday.

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