Sooners keep Oklahoma's best softball player from leaving the state

In a perfect scenario, one of the best high school softball players in the nation didn't even have to leave the state to play for one of the best college softball programs in the country.

Juliana "Goose" Hutchens, the No. 1 prospect in Oklahoma, announced her commitment to the Sooners on Thursday evening to be Patty Gasso's first addition to OU's 2027 recruiting class so far.

Wagoner's Goose Hutchens commits to Sooners

"Wow it’s so surreal to be here now," Hutchens wrote in her announcement on X. "This is one of the moments every little girl dreams of getting to experience. Words couldn't describe how thankful I am for The Oklahoma coaching staff. They are taking a chance on me that I'll forever be grateful for. BOOMER!!"

As humble as Hutchens is, the Sooners certainly aren't taking a chance on her. According to Softball America, Hutchens is the No. 2 prospect in the entire 2027 class and Extra Innings ranked her as the No. 1 catcher. She also plays third base and shortstop for Wagoner High School, where her dad, Johnny Hutchens, coaches.

Last season as a sophomore, Hutchens had a .656 batting average with 45 RBIs and 70 runs in 36 games. She also tied the Oklahoma high school single-season home run record with 23 long balls, averaging a homer every other game. That number could have been even higher had teams not pitched around her so often and walked her more than any other player in the state last year.

The Sooners' last three signing classes have been the best in the country, and Hutchens' early addition paves the way for the 2027 group to continue that trend for Gasso.

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