Breaking Her Silence: Cydney Sanders Explains Her Departure from Oklahoma Sooners Softball in Emotional Reveal
NORMAN, OK — July 3, 2025 — In an announcement that sent shockwaves through the college softball community, Cydney Sanders — one of the most prominent sluggers in the sport — has finally addressed her surprising and silent departure from the Oklahoma Sooners softball program. After months of speculation, the two-time NCAA champion and fan-favorite took to social media and later sat down for an exclusive video interview to explain why she walked away from one of the most decorated dynasties in college athletics.
The former Arizona State transfer and Oklahoma star catcher/first baseman had mysteriously disappeared from the Sooners’ 2025 Women’s College World Series campaign and was later confirmed not to be returning to the program for the 2025–2026 season. Her absence left fans questioning, with theories ranging from injury to mental health to a potential professional transition. Now, in her own words, Sanders is opening up about the deeply personal and complex reasons that led to her decision to step away from the game — at least for now.
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“It Wasn’t Just About Softball”
In a powerful Instagram video posted Tuesday evening, Sanders appeared in a simple crimson hoodie with the caption: “My truth. No more hiding. Thank you, OU.”
Visibly emotional, Sanders began the nearly 18-minute message by acknowledging the love she had received from fans during her time in Norman.
> “First, I want to thank Sooner Nation for loving me the way you did. For accepting me, cheering for me, pushing me. That love gave me some of the best moments of my life. But I owe it to everyone — especially to myself — to be real about why I had to step away.”
According to Sanders, the decision to leave was not about frustration with the program or coaching staff, nor was it driven by poor performance or drama behind the scenes. Instead, it stemmed from what she described as a “perfect storm of mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion” that had quietly taken a toll for over a year.
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The Unseen Struggle Behind the Power Hitter
Sanders described her 2024 and early 2025 seasons as “both magical and unbearable.”
> “When you’re hitting home runs and winning titles, it’s easy for the world to think everything is perfect. But I was quietly breaking. I had days where I couldn’t get out of bed. Nights where I cried myself to sleep after games we won.”
She revealed that behind the smile and swagger she showed on the field, she was battling severe anxiety, recurring panic attacks, and body fatigue that made training difficult. The pressure to live up to expectations — not just from the fans, but from herself — became overwhelming.
> “I put so much pressure on myself to be perfect. To be the All-American. To never show weakness. But inside, I was shutting down.”
She also detailed the physical grind of back-to-back deep postseason runs, playing through injuries, and hiding her pain to not disappoint teammates. “I was playing hurt more than I ever let on,” she admitted, though she clarified there was no single career-ending injury — just a cumulative buildup that wore her down.
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A Turning Point in the Mirror
The emotional apex of Sanders’ message came as she recounted the moment she knew it was time to walk away.
> “We were in practice. I’d just hit a homer in a scrimmage, and everyone was cheering. But I went back to the dugout and couldn’t stop crying. Not because I was sad. But because I felt… nothing. No joy. Just emptiness.”
She spoke with coach Patty Gasso the next morning, and what followed was an emotional, honest conversation about her future. According to Sanders, Gasso offered her unconditional support.
> “Coach Gasso looked at me and said, ‘You’ve given everything. Now it’s time to give something to yourself.’ That moment changed everything.”
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Patty Gasso’s Response: “Cydney Showed Greatness Beyond the Field”
Sooner head coach Patty Gasso released an official statement shortly after Sanders’ video went live.
> “Cydney Sanders will always be part of the Oklahoma softball family. Her honesty, her strength, and her willingness to prioritize her health and healing show a different kind of greatness — one that isn’t always seen on the scoreboard. I support her 100%, and I know whatever she does next will be impactful.”
Gasso emphasized that the team had known since midseason that Sanders was contemplating stepping away and that they worked closely to support her emotionally while protecting her privacy.
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Life Beyond the Diamond
In the latter part of her message, Sanders revealed that while she is stepping away from playing, she is not closing the door on softball entirely.
> “Softball saved me. It gave me identity, strength, and joy. But now, I need time to reconnect with myself outside the game. I want to finish my degree. I want to travel. I want to be with my family. And maybe someday, I want to coach.”
She confirmed she will remain in Norman for at least another year to complete her undergraduate degree and hinted at the possibility of helping the team in an off-field capacity if needed.
> “I may not wear the jersey anymore, but my heart will always beat for OU.”
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Fan Reactions: Outpouring of Support
Within an hour of the video’s posting, hashtags like #ThankYouCydney, #OnceASoonerAlwaysASooner, and #MentalHealthMatters were trending across Oklahoma and collegiate sports circles. Current and former teammates, including Jordy Bahl, Kinzie Hansen, and Tiare Jennings, left heartfelt comments thanking her for her courage.
Jocelyn Alo tweeted:
> “So proud of you @cydsandz. The realest kind of strong. Forever a sister.”
ESPN analyst Amanda Scarborough called Sanders’ message “one of the most raw, powerful player testimonials we’ve seen in years.”
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The Legacy She Leaves
Though her time at Oklahoma was brief compared to program legends, Sanders made an undeniable impact.
Career Stats at OU:
Batting Average: .338
Home Runs: 28
RBIs: 81
National Titles: 2 (2023, 2024)
All-Big 12 Selection
WCWS Heroics in 2023 Semifinal Win over Florida State
But beyond the numbers, Sanders gave fans something even more enduring — authenticity, vulnerability, and now, a conversation about mental wellness in college sports.
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What’s Next?
Sanders said she will be focusing on wellness retreats, speaking engagements about athlete mental health, and finishing her studies in sports psychology. She’s also been invited to speak at next month’s Women in Collegiate Athletics Summit in Dallas.
> “Maybe the girl who crushed home runs can now help other girls find their voice.”
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Final Words from Cydney
Her video ended quietly, with a soft smile and the words:
> “To every young girl out there playing with a heavy heart — you’re not weak. You’re brave. I found my strength not in staying, but in knowing when to step away. And I’m proud of that.”
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Cydney Sanders may have left the diamond — but she has stepped fully into something even more powerful: her truth. And in doing so, she may have changed the way we see what it means to be a champion.
