OU pitcher Paytn Monticelli transferring to LSU
There was late portal movement for the Sooners on Monday.
Former Oklahoma pitcher Paytn Monticelli announced she’s transferring to LSU. Monticelli spent two seasons with the Sooners and has one year of eligibility remaining.
Monticelli began her career at Wisconsin before arriving in Norman prior to the 2023 season. Monticelli saw limited playing time across her two seasons in Norman — she pitched 40.2 total innings, logging a 2.58 ERA and a .171 batting average.
The Wisconsin native entered the portal on July 24, per D1Softball’s Justin McLeod. Per Yahoo’s Ross Dellenger, the NCAA Committee on Legislative Relief granting a special waiver to open a new transfer window from July 7-Aug. 5. The move came as a result of new roster restrictions brought in by the House Settlement.
It’s a late departure for Monticelli but not a particularly surprising one.
The Sooners’ pitching staff is loaded with talent after the offseason additions of Sydney Berzon (LSU) and Miali Guachino (Ole Miss), who are both expected to be prominent parts of the rotation next season. OU pitching coach Jennifer Rocha also returns key pieces like Audrey Lowry and Kierston Deal, as well as highly-touted freshmen Sophia Bordi, Allyssa Parker and Berkley Zache.
Even with Monticelli’s departure, the Sooners will have seven pitchers on next year’s roster with several players competing for playing time. The path to playing time for Monticelli on a loaded pitching staff was murky at best.