Oklahoma Sooners Pitcher transfers to LSU Tigers

Former Oklahoma Sooners pitcher Maya Monticelli has entered the transfer portal adn will join the LSU Tigers for the upcoming season. Monticelli, a transfer from Wisconsin, spent two seasons with the Sooners, contributing to their dominant softball program, including their fourth consecutive national championship in 2024.

During her tenure at Oklahoma,monticelli appeared in 34 games,accumulating a 2-0 record. She posted a 1.09 ERA in 19.1 innings pitched in 2024. However,her performance saw a dip in 2025,with a 3.94 ERA over 21.1 innings, and she saw limited action in the NCAA Tournament, pitching only one inning.

Monticelli’s move to LSU comes as the Tigers lost pitcher Sydney Berzon to the Oklahoma Sooners via the transfer portal. LSU aims to bolster its pitching staff with Monticelli’s experiance,particularly from the bullpen,where she is known for her velocity.

The Oklahoma Sooners are preparing for the 2026 season with a strong incoming pitching class, including the No.1 ranked pitcher in the 2025 recruiting class, Alyssa Parker, and the No. 5 ranked pitcher, Berkley Zache. Returning pitchers for the Sooners include senior Kierston Deal and sophomore Audrey Lowry, along with redshirt freshman Sophia Bordi, who is expected to rejoin the team this fall after a period away.

In the 2025 season,LSU finished ninth in the SEC. Monticelli’s addition is expected to provide a veteran presence and added power to their pitching rotation.

Monticelli expressed her gratitude to the Oklahoma fanbase on social media, stating, “Thank you, Sooner Nation, for supporting me these past two years. This was not an easy decision to make. I have loved everything about being a sooner and am so grateful for every single person I have met along my journey with this program. Norman will always be a special place to me.”