Oklahoma pitcher and two-time National Champion Jordy Bahl returns home to Nebraska
Oklahoma pitcher and two-time national champion Jordy Bahl announced she is entering the transfer portal and “returning home” on Monday. A few days later, the Papillion-La Vista native announced she would spend her last two years of eligibility with the Huskers.
Bahl was committed to the Huskers in high school but switched to Oklahoma when Head Coach Rhonda Revelle’s job was investigated in 2019.
The Nebraska native said it was time to return home.
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“I am excited to return home and be Jordy Bahl, the softball player, but more importantly, the person,” she said on Twitter. “I am excited thinking about growing the game that has provided me so many opportunities for growth in the home state, a currently overlooked state for girls in softball at all ages, and I am excited to finish the softball journey right where it began.”
Revelle, who has coached Husker softball for 32 years, will end the last few years of her career with a bang thanks to this addition.
“The entire Nebraska softball team is thrilled to have Jordy join the Red Team,” Revelle said in a statement. “Jordy is an amazing young woman, teammate and athlete who we know is an incredible addition to our team both on and off the field.
“Having known Jordy for several years, we have not been surprised by her accomplishments as she has always been the epitome of a driven, determined and laser-focused competitor. Jordy is a winner on the inside and out, and she uplifts and inspires all who are around her. This is a wonderful day for Husker Nation to welcome back our homegrown Husker Jordy Bahl.”
Here are my three takes on Bahl returning home to Nebraska:
Huskers just became a national championship contender
Bahl has lots of experience playing and winning national championships. She earned two rings during her time at Oklahoma.
The 5-foot-8, right-handed pitcher won the 2022 and 2023 Women’s College World Series with Oklahoma. In the 2023 WCWS, she pitched 24 2/3 scoreless innings while striking out 33 batters. Bahl was voted the Most Outstanding Player at the WCWS.
After a stellar freshman season, Bahl was named the NFCA Division I National Freshman of the Year and was a First Team All-American. The freshman pitcher helped led Oklahoma’s 2022 squad to become one of the best college softball teams in history.
Bahl can also hit, as she had 32 at-bats in 2023 and eight in 2022. Last season, she had a .469 slugging percentage. She is fast on the bases and pinch runs too.
“We are grateful for her two years with our program and for everything she accomplished,” OU softball head coach Patty Gasso said in a statement. “She obviously was a huge part of our on-field success but what I’ll always appreciate most about Jordy is her approach and dedication to the game, as she’s the ultimate competitor.”
Nebraska needed an “ultimate competitor” and a great pitcher to replace Courtney Love. They definitely got that and more. With one of the best pitchers in the country, the Huskers could very likely be on the hunt for a national title.
Recruits’ eyes will be on the Huskers
Bahl’s return will make high school softball players think differently about Nebraska. Many will want the opportunity to play with and win with a wonderful pitcher like Bahl.
The Huskers have put together several good seasons over the last couple of years. They won the 2022 Big Ten Championship. In the 2023 NCAA tournament, their second consecutive appearance, Nebraska won three games but fell to sixth-seeded Oklahoma State twice to be eliminated.
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The Red Team had two pitchers available in the tournament due to injuries. They reloaded big-time with Bahl.
Nebraska’s upward momentum, coupled with the addition of Bahl, could add other highly-ranked transfers and recruits.
Players want to play for teams that win and with the Huskers’ solid backfield and Bahl, Nebraska could do a lot of that.
Softball could become huge in Nebraska
Bahl hinted at it in her statement on social media and she wasn’t wrong. Young softball players will flock to Bowlin Stadium to get a glimpse of Bahl in the circle. People of all ages will clammer to watch her throw strike after strike.
The right-handed pitcher said softball is overlooked in the state of Nebraska. She could single-handedly change this narrative.
Bahl will likely spark a passion for softball amongst young girls but also people of all ages. Young kids might start choosing to play softball over basketball or volleyball or other sports. Many will do this because of the magic they see from Bahl.
Nebraska already has a good following for softball. However, with the draw of Bahl in the circle, fans will likely sell out Bowlin Stadium often. Bahl will bring them there, but fans will likely keep coming back for the excitement of softball.
Iowa experienced the same effect with Caitlyn Clark, one of the best women’s basketball players of her generation and arguably one of the best all time. Clark ignited a love for women’s basketball in Iowa but also across the country.
Bahl could do the same for softball.
