Sooner No More: Avery Hodge Opens Up About Her Shocking Departure from Oklahoma Softball
Norman, Oklahoma — July 15, 2025
In a stunning revelation that has sent ripples throughout the college softball world, Avery Hodge — the dynamic infielder and one of the most beloved figures on the Oklahoma Sooners softball roster — has officially spoken out about her departure from the program. In an exclusive, deeply personal statement released late Monday night, the former Sooner gave fans and the media a raw, emotional, and honest account of the circumstances that led to her surprising exit from one of the most dominant softball dynasties in NCAA history.
“It Wasn’t an Easy Decision”
Hodge, who had become a fan favorite not just for her on-field brilliance but for her infectious personality and leadership, began her statement by acknowledging the difficulty of her decision.
> “Leaving Oklahoma wasn’t just hard — it felt like a heartbreak I wasn’t prepared for. This program raised me. It made me the athlete I am today and gave me a platform bigger than I ever dreamed of. But sometimes, growth means letting go.”
Hodge’s voice cracked with emotion during a Zoom call with a select group of media outlets, where she elaborated further on her written statement. A composed but visibly heavy-hearted Avery reflected on the toll that recent years had taken — not just physically, but mentally and spiritually.
The Toll of Perfection
While Oklahoma softball has become synonymous with national championships, records, and dominance under the iconic leadership of head coach Patty Gasso, Hodge pulled back the curtain on the immense pressure that came with playing for a program that demanded excellence at every turn.
> “Wearing that jersey means you’re expected to be perfect — every inning, every pitch, every decision. I gave it everything I had, but over time, I lost myself in trying to meet expectations that felt impossible to maintain. I stopped recognizing the girl who first picked up a glove in Texas and fell in love with the game.”
The 2024-2025 season saw Hodge face an uphill battle to stay consistent in the infield rotation, often sharing time with emerging freshmen while recovering from minor injuries that lingered longer than expected. Though she continued to show flashes of her trademark speed, sharp glove, and keen base-running instincts, Hodge admitted that something inside had shifted.
Internal Struggles and Unspoken Fears
In a particularly powerful section of her message, Hodge spoke openly about her struggles with anxiety and mental fatigue — issues rarely addressed publicly by top-tier athletes in high-performing programs.
> “There were nights when I’d sit in my room after practice and cry for hours. Not because of failure, but because of fear — fear of letting my teammates down, fear of being forgotten, fear of not being enough. And no one ever knew because I kept smiling through it all.”
According to sources close to the program, Hodge had been quietly meeting with sports psychologists and personal mentors during the offseason, contemplating whether her path in softball needed to change. A family trip back home to Richmond, Texas, over spring break reportedly became the turning point in her thinking.
> “It hit me when I was home,” she said. “Playing catch with my little cousin in the backyard, barefoot on the grass, no pressure — just love. I remembered what softball used to feel like. And I realized I wanted that back.”
A Shifting Relationship with the Game
Though Hodge was quick to express gratitude to Coach Gasso and her staff, she also hinted at philosophical differences that contributed to her decision.
> “Coach Gasso is a legend — there’s no doubt. But as I evolved as a person, I realized my vision for the game was changing. I wanted to be in an environment where mistakes were part of growth, not shame. I needed space to explore who I am beyond the jersey.”
She also addressed fan speculation about potential conflict with teammates or coaches, unequivocally denying any such rumors.
> “There’s no drama. No falling out. I love my sisters — every single one. This wasn’t about them. It was about me finding peace.”
What’s Next for Avery Hodge?
While Hodge has not yet confirmed her next athletic destination, she left the door open to continuing her career — though she emphasized that wherever she goes next, joy will be her priority.
> “I’m not done playing. I love this game too much to walk away. But I want to play in a way that lights me up again — with creativity, freedom, and fun. I’m looking at programs that align with who I’ve become, not who I used to be.”
Multiple sources confirm that Hodge has entered the transfer portal, with a shortlist of schools already expressing interest. Among those reportedly in the mix are Texas A&M, LSU, Tennessee, and Florida State — all prominent programs with a track record of developing infield talent and nurturing holistic athlete development.
Support from the Sooner Community
Despite the shock, the response from the Oklahoma softball community has been overwhelmingly supportive. Coach Patty Gasso released a heartfelt message of her own:
> “Avery will always be a part of our family. She brought unmatched energy, work ethic, and courage to our program. While it hurts to see her go, I respect her decision and pray that she continues to thrive wherever she lands. She’s a light in this sport.”
Former teammates, including Kinzie Hansen and Rylie Boone, also posted tributes to Hodge on social media, with hashtags like #ForeverASooner and #HodgeStrong trending across X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
One fan wrote, “Avery Hodge taught my daughter that you don’t have to be the loudest or the tallest to be the strongest. We love you, Ave. Thank you for everything.”
A Message to the Next Generation
Perhaps the most poignant moment in Hodge’s announcement came when she addressed young girls watching her journey.
> “To every little girl who dreams of playing big-time softball: don’t lose yourself in the noise. Play for love. Chase joy. It’s okay to choose you.”
She ended her message with a smile and a promise:
> “This isn’t the end of my story — it’s just the start of a new chapter. And this time, I’m writing it with my whole heart.”
Final Thoughts
As the dust settles on one of the most unexpected exits in recent Oklahoma softball history, Avery Hodge leaves not with scandal or bitterness, but with grace, clarity, and courage. Her departure marks more than a roster change — it signals a deeper conversation in college sports about mental wellness, identity, and the cost of chasing perfection.
Wherever she lands next, one thing is certain: Avery Hodge’s journey is far from over, and the softball world will be watching.
— Written by Mjay | Walk the Street Sports News
