One factor that makes Oklahoma a perennial Women’s College World Series title contender heading into softball season is Patty Gasso’s ability to recruit deep talent at every position on the field, which remains a fact as the Sooners resume play in February. The loaded pitching staff is joined by a trio who will have their back framing each toss behind the plate while simultaneously vying for a spot in the lineup.
The catchers on the roster this season consist of two returners from the WCWS semifinals in senior Isabela Emerling and sophomore Riley Zache, and freshman Kendall Wells. Although that sounds like a small size for Gasso to work with, Emerling and Wells have been strong at the dish during the fall scrimmages and will likely receive the most time on the field.
2026 OU softball catchers preview
#13 Isabela Emerling, C
Emerling is entering the season in her final redshirt year of eligibility. She entered the Transfer Portal before last season after spending three years at North Carolina and became an impact player with a .212 batting average, 24 runs, 28 hits and 12 home runs. Emerling also enjoyed a solid fall as she swung nine runs across six home games.
#1 Kendall Wells, C
Wells begins her college career as the top-ranked catcher and No. 5 player in the 2025 recruiting class, according to Softball America, which also listed her on its 2026 Freshman Watch List. The Georgia native has already shown a powerful bat by playing the long ball as she smacked homers out of Love’s Field in five consecutive fall games. Even if Wells doesn’t start in the lineup early in the season, no opposing pitcher should underestimate her.
another day, another homer for @KendallWells__ 🔥 pic.twitter.com/LAuCJz6gZI
— Oklahoma Softball (@OU_Softball) October 23, 2025
#14 Riley Zache, C/INF
Riley Zache returns as a member of the 2025 WCWS semifinalists. She will be joined by her sister, freshman pitcher Berkley Zache, for the first time together as Oklahoma teammates. Despite getting only four at-bats in her freshman season, Zache had a .500 batting average thanks to two hits, and can also be an infield option.