The Oklahoma Sooners softball machine continues to churn with precision, power, and purpose. On Wednesday, head coach Patty Gasso revealed the addition of six new recruits to the Sooners’ already top-tier 2025 recruiting class. As the winningest active coach in Division I softball and a four-time national champion since 2021, Gasso’s touch in identifying and developing talent is unmatched—and with this latest wave of talent, the dynasty looks destined to keep rolling.
This group of six newcomers spans multiple positions, regional pipelines, and even international borders. More importantly, each recruit brings elite athleticism, leadership potential, and a shared desire to carry the torch of excellence lit long ago in Norman.
“These six young women exemplify what it means to be a Sooner,” said Gasso in a statement. “They’re relentless competitors, passionate students of the game, and outstanding individuals off the field. Our coaching staff is thrilled to welcome them into our family.”
Let’s break down what makes each of these six recruits special and how they fit into the Sooners’ ongoing pursuit of greatness.
1. Sierra “SiSi” Moreno – INF – Riverside, CA
Standing 5-foot-8 with a cannon arm and lightning-quick reflexes, Sierra Moreno is one of the most sought-after infielders in the nation. Rated as the No. 3 overall player by Softball America, Moreno is a slick-fielding shortstop with next-level footwork and defensive range. Offensively, she boasts a .525 batting average with 18 home runs in her junior season at Martin Luther King High School.
“She reminds me of Grace Lyons with a little extra pop,” said Gasso. “Her leadership is already off the charts, and she knows how to control the middle infield like a veteran.”
Moreno is also a two-time captain for Team USA’s Junior National Team and has a 4.0 GPA, making her a perfect fit in Oklahoma’s holistic player development system.
2. Emerson “Emmy” James – RHP – Broken Arrow, OK
The home-state hero of the class, Emerson James is the latest elite arm to emerge from Oklahoma’s fertile softball soil. A towering 6-foot-1 right-hander, she blends power and finesse, with her fastball clocked consistently in the 70–72 mph range. James was named the 2024 Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year and led Broken Arrow to back-to-back state championships.
Gasso has long prioritized building dominant pitching rotations, and James is being groomed as the next ace-in-waiting.
“Emmy is a bulldog in the circle,” Gasso said. “She’s got the spin, the velocity, the poise—everything you want in a pitcher. She reminds us of a young Jordy Bahl.”
James is also close with several current Sooners, including Nicole May, and her loyalty to the program was never in doubt.
3. Aria Thompson – OF – Atlanta, GA
Speed kills, and Aria Thompson has it in abundance. The Georgia native is widely regarded as the fastest outfielder in the 2025 class, having clocked a 2.65-second home-to-first time. She’s a game-changer at the top of the order with elite slap-hitting skills and a knack for stealing bases at will—she swiped 42 bags in 43 attempts last season.
“Aria brings a different kind of electricity to our team,” said associate head coach JT Gasso. “She’s the spark plug every championship roster needs.”
Thompson’s ability to cover ground in the outfield, coupled with a rocket arm, makes her a center field candidate from day one. With her in the mix, the Sooners’ outfield of the future looks as airtight as ever.
4. Camila Suarez – C – El Paso, TX
One of the best catchers in the class, Camila Suarez adds power, toughness, and a laser-like throwing arm to Oklahoma’s future battery. Standing 5-foot-6 and known for her physicality, Suarez has thrown out 65% of base runners over the last two seasons and carries a .490 average with 15 home runs in her junior year.
What makes Suarez a true Sooner-caliber player, however, is her presence. Teammates call her “the General” for her ability to command the field.
“Camila is built for Oklahoma softball,” Gasso said. “She’s gritty, fearless, and a natural leader behind the plate.”
Suarez also has international experience, having played for Mexico’s U17 national team. Her bilingual background and cultural leadership are valued as Oklahoma expands its reach globally.
5. Reagan Moore – UTIL – Mesa, AZ
Versatility is the name of the game for Reagan Moore, a do-it-all athlete who can play third base, outfield, or even pitch in relief. A true five-tool player, Moore bats left-handed and is known for her gap-to-gap power and clutch hitting—she notched four walk-off hits last season alone.
“We see a little bit of Jocelyn Alo’s tenacity in Reagan,” said Gasso. “She refuses to be outworked, and she thrives in big moments.”
Moore is also a fierce competitor in the classroom, maintaining a 4.2 GPA while being named to the All-Arizona Academic Team. Her work ethic has made her a fan favorite at Desert Ridge High School, and she’s already projected as a multi-year starter at Oklahoma.
6. Mika Yamamoto – LHP – Honolulu, HI
The gem of the Pacific, Mika Yamamoto becomes the first Hawaiian pitcher to join Oklahoma under Gasso. A crafty southpaw who blends pinpoint accuracy with devastating off-speed pitches, Yamamoto brings an international flair to the Sooners’ rotation. Her rise through the ranks of Hawaiian prep softball and her performances in Japan’s U18 circuit have drawn comparisons to former All-American Keilani Ricketts.
“Mika is a technician,” Gasso explained. “She can dissect hitters with precision, and her off-speed stuff is ridiculous.”
Yamamoto’s decision to choose Oklahoma over Pac-12 and SEC contenders signals the Sooners’ widening geographic pull. Her commitment also strengthens OU’s relationship with Pacific Islander communities, something Gasso called “incredibly meaningful for the program’s diversity and growth.”
A Recruiting Class for the Ages
With these six signings, Oklahoma’s 2025 recruiting class is now considered the consensus No. 1 group in the country by Extra Inning Softball and D1Softball. Gasso and her staff have masterfully addressed every positional need, replenished depth, and brought in a blend of high-character athletes ready to uphold and expand the program’s legacy.
Already equipped with multiple returning All-Americans, the Sooners are shaping their roster to remain dominant into the late 2020s.
“When we recruit, it’s not just about finding the most talented players—it’s about finding the right people,” Gasso noted. “This class has that championship DNA. They’re ready to grow into leaders and champions, both on and off the field.”
The Gasso Effect
At 63 years old, Patty Gasso continues to redefine what it means to be an elite collegiate coach. With over 1,500 career wins and a staggering .790 winning percentage, her success is no longer just measured by national titles—it’s measured by sustained excellence, cultural relevance, and an unwavering commitment to building powerful young women.
Her recent documentary One for the Ages: The Patty Gasso Story is set to hit Netflix this summer, chronicling her journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most respected coaches in NCAA history. This new recruiting class feels like a fitting continuation of her legacy.
“We’re not just building a team—we’re building a dynasty, one class at a time,” Gasso said with a smile. “And this class? It’s special.”
Looking Ahead
As Oklahoma prepares to host regionals and defend yet another national title this postseason, the future remains blindingly bright in Norman. With Moreno, James, Thompson, Suarez, Moore, and Yamamoto now officially in the fold, Patty Gasso and her program are well-positioned to extend their reign at the top of college softball.
Whether it’s in the circle, behind the plate, on the basepaths, or under the bright lights of Oklahoma City, these six Sooners-in-waiting are ready to carry the torch and write the next legendary chapter in Sooner softball history.
And if history is any indicator, the rest of the NCAA should take note—because the next wave of greatness has already arrived.
