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OU softball earns 2027 commitment Riley Hilliard, No. 11 overall

Bob Przybyloby: Bob Przybylo09/18/25BPrzybylo
Riley Hilliard
OU commitment Riley Hilliard. (From Hilliard)

That’s one way for OU softball fans to wake up Thursday. Head coach Patty Gasso let the world know via social media that it was time to ‘Go Boomer.’

And a few hours later, the boom came. 2027 catcher Riley Hilliard announced on her Instagram that she is the second piece to the puzzle for the Sooners.

Hilliard, from La Mirada (Calif.) High visited OU a couple of weeks ago. It felt like it was going to turn into a banner weekend for the Sooners, and it has.

She is ranked No. 11 overall by Softball America for the class, the No. 2 catcher and the No. 4 player in California.

Hilliard joins the No. 2 overall player Goose Hutchens in the OU class. Hutchens, from Wagoner (Okla.) High, is the No. 1-ranked catcher.

Hilliard’s message

“I am incredibly blessed to announce my commitment to the University of Oklahoma to continue my academic and athletic career as a Sooner!

God has given me this incredible opportunity and without him, I would’ve ever been able to find my way. Thank you to all of the amazing people who have supported me along this journey (it takes a village). A special thanks to my kind, hardworking, caring and generous parents who have pushed me to excel in ways I didn’t know were possible. Both of you always held me accountable in everything I do and I am forever grateful and indebted.

My twin, my other half, best friend, if you know me, you know Reese. My sister has been without a doubt, one of the biggest influences in my life, literally from the moment I was born. Thank you for always being there for me through everything. I can’t imagine doing life without you and I would never want to. I love you so much! I’m so proud of you and all your accomplishments!

Thank you to all the coaches who have been a part of my journey. My deep appreciation to Coach Mike Stith. Words cannot express how big of a part of my journey you have been. Thank you for everything! Thank you, Coach Nick for bringing out a fire in me to be the greatest! Thank you Coach Garcia and Coach Katie Stith, who helped me start my journey as a Batbuster!

And finally, thank you Coach Gasso, Coach JT, Coach Rocha and Coach Steele for allowing me to live out my dream of being a Sooner!! LET’S GO SOONER NATION!!!

On3 says…

“Hilliard is a power-hitting catcher who has proven to be able to swing a big bat in big moments. She has solid fundamentals behind the dish, can receive and block well. The La Mirada High School product will provide explosive RBI production, one of the best catchers among a very talented group in the class.”

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