When it comes to assembling elite recruiting classes, few programs match the standard set by Patty Gasso’s Oklahoma Sooners. The reigning three-time Women’s College World Series champions aren’t simply collecting talent—they’re dominating the recruiting landscape. Among their latest prized recruits is Kai Minor, a dynamic center fielder from Orange Lutheran High School in California, who recently turned down South Carolina to commit to Oklahoma softball.
Kai Minor’s decision to choose Oklahoma over other top-tier programs wasn’t just about prestige—it was about family, fit, and future. “I visited Coach Gasso the weekend before, and a few days after returning home, I verbally committed to her,” Kai said. That visit to Norman solidified what she already felt: Oklahoma was the perfect place to continue her growth as a player and a person.
Her commitment is already being viewed as program-defining. Many believe she could be the next Jayda Coleman—a three-time 1st Team All-American and the 2023 Big 12 Player of the Year—because of her game-changing speed, defense, and leadership. While such comparisons bring big expectations, Kai is no stranger to pressure. She’s been excelling with the prestigious OC Batbusters 18U squad under the guidance of legendary coach Mike Stith, where she’s helped lead the team to back-to-back Alliance National Championships.
Stith couldn’t say enough about his star outfielder: “Kai is a young athlete who is trying to improve in every way possible. She wants to be a professional and has the motivation to do so. ‘Learn more, see more’ is one of her motivating elements.” He emphasized that with her work ethic and the increasing opportunities in women’s sports, Kai is positioned to be at the forefront of the next wave of talent in softball.
The numbers support the hype. During the summer of 2023, Kai batted .426 with a .511 on-base percentage. She smacked eight home runs, tallied 63 hits in 148 at-bats, drove in 36 RBIs, stole 14 bases, and earned 25 walks—a clear sign of the respect she commands at the plate. Most importantly, her performance elevated when it mattered most, a trait every coach values.
In joining the Sooners, Kai becomes part of a powerhouse 2025 recruiting class that includes other top-10 talents: infielder Lexi McDaniel, catcher/third baseman Kendall Wells, pitcher Sophia Bordi, and infielder Alyssa Parker. The five athletes have already formed strong bonds, particularly Kai and Bordi, who are not only club teammates but close friends.
“I’m really happy for us to move into the dorms together and play at the new Love’s Stadium,” Kai shared. “The other four 2025 commits are the best in class.”
Her journey to Oklahoma reflects more than talent—it reveals a mindset. Kai Minor chose a program that develops greatness and builds legacies. With her on board, the Sooners are not just reloading—they’re redefining what it means to recruit at the highest level. And for Kai, Oklahoma felt like home.a and committed to Oklahoma Basebal
