Sooner Spark Rekindled: Jocelyn Erickson Recommits to Oklahoma in Shocking NCAA Softball Twist
By SportsEdge Report | April 22, 2025
NORMAN, OKLAHOMA – In a seismic move that has left the college softball world stunned, star catcher Jocelyn Erickson has announced her decision to leave the Florida Gators and recommit to the Oklahoma Sooners, the program where her collegiate journey began. The announcement, made via a heartfelt Instagram post early Tuesday morning, marks a full-circle moment for the 2024 NFCA National Player of the Year and injects an electrifying jolt into an already loaded Sooners squad heading into the 2026 season.
“Oklahoma will always be home. I’m coming back to finish what I started. BOOMER.” Erickson captioned in her post, alongside a photo of her in both her Florida and Oklahoma uniforms, symbolically bridging her journey.
This bombshell move comes just days after Florida’s exit from the SEC tournament, and whispers of a transfer had begun swirling quietly behind the scenes. Still, few expected a return to Norman—especially after Erickson’s breakout dominance at Florida in 2024 and 2025.
—
From Crimson Beginnings to Gator Glory
Jocelyn Erickson, a native of Phoenix, Arizona, committed to Oklahoma as a top-20 national prospect in the Class of 2022. She arrived in Norman as part of a highly touted freshman class and wasted no time making an impact. In 2023, she batted .337 with 32 RBIs, helping the Sooners claim yet another Women’s College World Series title. Her poise behind the plate and mature bat quickly caught the attention of national analysts.
However, the Sooners’ crowded roster and influx of blue-chip recruits made it difficult for Erickson to find consistent time in the lineup late in her freshman campaign. In a surprise move, she transferred to Florida before the 2024 season—a decision that paid off almost immediately.
With the Gators, Erickson erupted into a superstar. In her sophomore campaign, she slashed .383/.468/.671 with 17 home runs and 69 RBIs, capturing SEC Player of the Year, Softball America Defensive Player of the Year, and a place on the USA Collegiate National Team.
The 2025 season was no different. She batted .326 with 13 home runs, powered the Gators to a 39–10 record, and posted a flawless 1.000 fielding percentage. She was not just a defensive rock—she was a vocal leader and the engine behind the Gators’ postseason run.
So why walk away?
—
The Why: Heartstrings, History, and Home
Sources close to the decision describe a “deep emotional pull” to return to Norman. “She never lost her connection to Oklahoma,” one family member noted. “This was never just a program to her—it was family.”
In conversations with Sooners head coach Patty Gasso, who has built a dynasty in Norman with six national titles since 2013, Erickson expressed a desire to finish her career with the people who gave her her first shot. According to Gasso, the two kept in light contact after the transfer—always professional, never recruiting.
But when Erickson entered the transfer portal this week, Oklahoma didn’t hesitate.
“Jocelyn is the definition of grit and grace. She’s an elite athlete and an even better person. We are thrilled to welcome her home,” said Gasso in a statement.
Oklahoma’s catcher depth had recently thinned after standout Kinzie Hansen graduated, and 2025 backup Alyssa Sparks entered the portal. The timing couldn’t be more perfect for Erickson to step back in.
—
What It Means for Oklahoma
The Sooners, already boasting a top-five national ranking and headlined by stars like Tiare Jennings, Ella Parker, and Kasidi Pickering, now gain a veteran catcher with a championship pedigree and defensive mastery. Erickson’s return immediately positions the team as a favorite for the 2026 WCWS title.
Defensively, her arm strength and framing will solidify a pitching staff that includes flamethrower Jordyn Bahl, who herself returned to Oklahoma this year after a brief hiatus due to injury. The two already have chemistry from their 2023 title run.
Offensively, Erickson slots into the heart of the lineup, likely batting cleanup or fifth behind Jennings and Parker. Her ability to hit to all fields and capitalize with runners in scoring position has been one of her signature traits.
“This is like signing a professional All-Star in free agency,” one Big 12 assistant coach anonymously told Softball Insider. “She’s that impactful.”
—
Florida’s Reaction
Gators head coach Tim Walton issued a brief but gracious statement:
> “We’re thankful for everything Jocelyn brought to our program. She elevated us in every way. We wish her the best as she continues her journey.”
Privately, sources indicate Florida was “disappointed but supportive.” Erickson reportedly informed the staff personally before making the news public, underscoring the mutual respect between both parties.
—
Fan Frenzy: Boomer Magic Back On
Oklahoma fans erupted on social media within minutes of Erickson’s announcement. #WelcomeBackJoce trended on Twitter and TikTok as fans flooded her comments with love, excitement, and praise.
Even former teammates joined the chorus. Jayda Coleman commented “BOOMER FOREVER” while Kinzie Hansen posted “Run it back, baby.”
In a time where NIL and transfers are often scrutinized, Erickson’s return feels different—driven not by dollars, but by unfinished business and a rekindled connection.
—
The Road Ahead
With one year of eligibility remaining, Erickson will report to Norman in June, rejoin offseason workouts, and prepare for what is shaping up to be a dream reunion run. The 2026 Oklahoma roster is stacked, focused, and now anchored by a player who has seen both sides of elite competition.
“I left to grow, and I’m returning to finish the legacy I started,” Erickson told ESPNW’s Jen Schroeder in an exclusive post-announcement interview. “Norman never stopped being a part of me. I’m back for good.”
—
In the heart of the Sooner Nation, a familiar face returns—not just as a player, but as a symbol of loyalty, growth, and destiny. And as Jocelyn Erickson straps on her crimson gear once more, Oklahoma Softball looks poised to write yet another chapter in its legendary story.
—
For continued coverage on Oklahoma Softball and NCAA transfers, stay with SportsEdge.
