Kasidi Pickering’s Remarkable Transformation: How the Oklahoma Sophomore Outfielder Has Evolved Into a Fierce Competitor, Vocal Leader, and Key Playmaker as the Sooners Prepare for Their Highly Anticipated SEC Debut at Love’s Field
When Kasidi Pickering first stepped onto the field for the Oklahoma Sooners as a freshman in 2024, she was a talented but relatively quiet presence on a team filled with veteran leadership. She had the skills, the drive, and the work ethic, but she was still finding her place on a roster stacked with talent. Now, just one year later, Pickering is no longer the same player—or even the same person.
Heading into the 2025 season, Pickering has undergone a dramatic transformation, both on and off the field. She has evolved into a dynamic leader, a more complete player, and a crucial piece of Oklahoma’s continued dominance in college softball. As the Sooners prepare to embark on their inaugural season in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), Pickering’s emergence could not have come at a better time.
Her growth has been nothing short of remarkable, and as Oklahoma enters a new chapter in its storied history, Pickering is ready to help lead the charge.
A Freshman Year Filled With Promise and Challenges
Pickering’s freshman season in 2024 was filled with moments of brilliance. She displayed flashes of the power, speed, and defensive prowess that made her one of the top recruits in the country. While she wasn’t a primary leader on the team just yet, she contributed in key moments and gained valuable experience playing alongside some of the most talented players in college softball.
However, transitioning from high school stardom to playing for the reigning national champions was no small feat. The jump from high school competition to elite collegiate softball is massive, and Pickering quickly learned that raw talent alone wasn’t enough to thrive at the next level.
“There was definitely an adjustment period,” Pickering admitted. “The speed of the game, the level of competition, and just understanding what it takes to win at this level—it was a lot to take in. But I had great teammates and coaches who helped me every step of the way.”
Despite the challenges, Pickering made her presence felt. She had a solid freshman campaign, proving that she belonged at the highest level. But even as she contributed to another championship run for the Sooners, she knew she had more to give.
An Offseason of Growth and Transformation
The difference between a good player and a great one is often defined by what happens in the offseason. For Pickering, the months following her freshman year were all about transformation. She dedicated herself to becoming a more complete player—both physically and mentally.
One of her biggest areas of focus was strength and conditioning. While she had always been a naturally gifted athlete, she knew she needed to get stronger to truly excel in the SEC. She spent countless hours in the weight room, adding muscle and increasing her explosiveness. The results were evident almost immediately when she returned to practice in the fall.
“I wanted to get stronger so I could drive the ball more consistently and hold my own against the best competition,” Pickering said. “Playing in the SEC is going to be a challenge, and I knew I had to elevate my game in every way possible.”
But it wasn’t just her physical development that changed—it was also her mindset. As a freshman, Pickering had been more reserved, taking in information and learning from the veterans around her. Now, heading into her sophomore season, she was ready to step up as a leader.
“I realized that I couldn’t just sit back and watch anymore,” she said. “I had to be vocal, I had to be someone my teammates could count on, and I had to set the tone every day.”
Her coaches and teammates quickly took notice. Head coach Patty Gasso, who has built Oklahoma into a perennial powerhouse, was particularly impressed with Pickering’s transformation.
“She came back a completely different player,” Gasso said. “Her confidence, her work ethic, her willingness to step into a leadership role—it’s been incredible to watch. She’s becoming the type of player who can change a game, and that’s exactly what we need heading into the SEC.”
Thriving in a Larger Role in 2025
With Oklahoma making the transition from the Big 12 to the SEC, the competition is only going to get tougher. The SEC is widely regarded as one of the most competitive conferences in college softball, featuring powerhouses like Florida, Alabama, LSU, and Tennessee. Every game will be a battle, and the Sooners will need contributions from everyone on the roster.
For Pickering, that means embracing an even larger role in 2025. No longer just a promising young player, she is now a key piece of Oklahoma’s lineup. Whether she’s batting in the heart of the order, making game-changing plays in the outfield, or serving as a vocal leader in the dugout, Pickering’s impact is felt in every aspect of the game.
Her increased power at the plate has already turned heads. In early-season practices and scrimmages, she’s been driving the ball with authority, showing off the strength she worked so hard to build in the offseason. But she’s also focused on becoming a more disciplined hitter, recognizing pitches better and making smarter decisions at the plate.
“I’ve worked a lot on my approach,” Pickering said. “I don’t want to just be a power hitter—I want to be someone who can adjust to any situation and come through in big moments.”
Defensively, she’s as solid as ever. With her speed and instincts, she covers ground effortlessly in the outfield, making difficult plays look routine. She’s also taken on a leadership role in the outfield, helping to position her teammates and communicate effectively during games.
“She’s really taken ownership of her role,” said Oklahoma assistant coach JT Gasso. “She’s playing with so much confidence, and that’s contagious. When you see someone like Kasidi leading by example, it raises the level of everyone around her.”
Embracing the Challenge of the SEC
The move to the SEC represents a new challenge for Oklahoma, but it’s one that the Sooners have been preparing for. The program has been dominant in the Big 12 for years, and now they have the opportunity to prove themselves in the toughest conference in college softball.
For Pickering, the challenge is exciting rather than intimidating. She knows that every game will be a battle, but she’s eager to compete against the best.
“This is what you dream about as a player,” she said. “You want to play against the best, you want to be in those intense environments, and you want to prove yourself on the biggest stage. I think we’re ready, and I know I’m ready.”
She’s particularly looking forward to playing in some of the SEC’s most hostile environments. Stadiums like Florida’s Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium and Alabama’s Rhoads Stadium are known for their passionate crowds, and Pickering thrives in those high-pressure situations.
“I love playing in front of big crowds,” she said. “It fuels me. Whether they’re cheering for us or against us, it’s just exciting to be in that atmosphere.”
A Bright Future Ahead
While the 2025 season is just getting started, it’s clear that Kasidi Pickering is poised for a breakout year. Her physical and mental transformation has positioned her as a cornerstone of the Sooners’ future, and her impact will only continue to grow.
But for Pickering, it’s not just about individual success—it’s about continuing Oklahoma’s legacy of excellence. The Sooners have won multiple national championships under Patty Gasso, and Pickering is determined to help add another trophy to the collection.
“We have high expectations here,” she said. “We don’t just want to be good—we want to be great. We want to win championships, and we’re willing to put in the work to make that happen.”
With Pickering’s newfound confidence, leadership, and skill set, there’s no doubt she will be a driving force for Oklahoma in 2025 and beyond. And as the Sooners take their first steps into the SEC, one thing is certain: Kasidi Pickering is no longer the same player she was a year ago—she’s even better.
