Patty Gasso will never run out of talent while leading Oklahoma softball.
Infielder Riley Hilliard, the No. 11 recruit in the 2027 class according to Softball America, announced via Instagram on Thursday that she committed to the Sooners. This addition came just a week after Gasso landed the No. 2 prospect from the same class, Juliana "Goose" Hutchens.
Riley Hilliard commits to Sooners
"God has given me this incredible opportunity and without him, I would’ve never been able to find my way," Hilliard wrote in her Instagram post. "Thank you Coach (Patty) Gasso, Coach JT (Gasso), Coach (Jennifer) Rocha and Coach (Falepolima) Steele for allowing me to live out my dream of being a Sooner. Let's go, Sooner Nation!"
Gasso didn't have to go far to get Hutchens, who's from Wagoner, Oklahoma, but Hilliard will come all the way from La Mirada, California, which was also Gasso's home state before making Norman home. Hilliard also played travel ball for the OC Batbusters.
Hilliard is the No. 2 catcher in the class, behind only future teammate Hutchens. However, both have the ability to play other positions for the Sooners.
Gasso hosted three 2027 prospects for visits when OU football played Michigan on Sept. 6, including Hutchens and Hilliard, already proving it was a successful weekend. The other visitor was left-handed pitcher Vivian Knott from Connecticut.
Thank you @OU_Softball for such an amazing visit! I loved spending the weekend with all of the incredibly warm and welcoming coaches, players, and staff. Thank you for sharing your world-class facilities and program with me— I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to visit!… pic.twitter.com/fvrDS2nh8K
— Vivian Knott 2027 (@VivianKnott2027) September 11, 2025
The Sooners are on their way to having another top class under Gasso. OU's last three signing classes have been the best in the country, paving the way to start another national championship streak.
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