Former Oklahoma Pitcher Kelly Maxwell Signs Professional Softball Contract, Embarks on New Chapter After Stellar NCAA Career at OU
Kelly Maxwell, one of the most dominant pitchers in recent NCAA softball history, is officially turning pro. The former Oklahoma Sooners ace has signed her first professional contract, marking the beginning of a new chapter in a remarkable softball journey that began years ago in the heart of Texas and reached national prominence in Norman. As Maxwell now steps onto the professional stage, she carries with her not just championship pedigree, but the hopes of fans who watched her shine at every level of the collegiate game.
Maxwell’s name has been synonymous with excellence for several years, particularly during her time at Oklahoma State and then at the University of Oklahoma. She was not just a power pitcher; she was a force of nature in the circle, blending velocity with pinpoint control and an intense competitive spirit. Her transition to Oklahoma from Oklahoma State ahead of the 2024 season made headlines across the college softball world and added fuel to one of the fiercest rivalries in the sport. Yet, it was a move that ultimately paid off for both Maxwell and the Sooners, as she played a key role in OU’s deep postseason run.
Now, with her collegiate career behind her, Maxwell is ready to bring her game to the next level. Signing a professional contract validates what so many already believed — that she’s ready to compete with and against the best in the world. Whether it’s in the Women’s Professional Fastpitch league (WPF), Athletes Unlimited, or international circuits, Maxwell’s arrival adds talent and credibility to any team lucky enough to secure her services.
It’s not every day a player transfers between bitter rivals, and even rarer when that player is a star. Yet Maxwell took that step in stride. After helping Oklahoma State reach multiple Women’s College World Series appearances, she made the difficult but bold decision to finish her collegiate eligibility with the Oklahoma Sooners. That decision instantly turned her into one of the most scrutinized and talked-about athletes in the sport, but Maxwell never let the noise affect her performance.
In her lone season with the Sooners, Maxwell delivered clutch performances throughout the year, earning several Big 12 weekly honors and showing she could command the circle against elite competition. More importantly, she embraced Oklahoma’s championship culture. In a program where the bar is set at nothing less than a national title, Maxwell’s experience, poise, and skill helped steady the Sooners through the ups and downs of a challenging season. Her fastball and signature off-speed pitches stymied opposing lineups and gave Oklahoma a true ace down the stretch.
What truly set Maxwell apart, however, was her demeanor under pressure. In high-leverage situations — be it late innings, bases loaded, or elimination games — she never blinked. That mentality, developed over years of competition at the highest collegiate level, is precisely what makes her such a valuable addition to the professional ranks. Veteran poise is difficult to teach, and Maxwell already has it in abundance.
Beyond her stats — which are impressive in their own right — Maxwell’s story is about evolution, resilience, and growth. She began her collegiate career at Oklahoma State as a promising arm and developed into one of the most feared pitchers in the NCAA. Then came the challenge of starting anew with Oklahoma, where she had to earn trust, prove herself, and adjust to a different coaching philosophy and team dynamic. That Maxwell excelled in both environments speaks volumes about her adaptability and professionalism.
Maxwell’s signing comes at a moment when women’s professional softball is continuing to grow in visibility and influence. Leagues such as Athletes Unlimited and WPF are showcasing elite talent and providing meaningful career opportunities for players who previously had few post-college options. For Maxwell, this next chapter offers the chance not just to compete, but to help shape the future of the sport. She enters the professional ranks as both a star and a role model, someone who younger players can look to as proof that hard work and bold decisions can pay off.
She also carries with her the legacy of Oklahoma Softball — a program that has come to define dominance in the modern college game. Under head coach Patty Gasso, the Sooners have built a dynasty that has redefined what sustained success looks like in the sport. Maxwell’s inclusion in that story, even if for just one season, links her forever to one of the greatest programs in NCAA history. Her time at OU was marked by fierce competitiveness, unity with teammates, and an unyielding desire to win. Those traits will serve her well in the next phase of her career.
The decision to go pro was one that Maxwell had likely considered for some time. With her collegiate eligibility used up and a laundry list of accomplishments behind her — including All-American honors, multiple WCWS appearances, and a national championship — there was little left for her to prove at the college level. Turning professional allows her to continue doing what she loves at the highest level and in front of fans who have followed her journey for years.
Fans in both Stillwater and Norman are likely to follow her professional career with keen interest. Though her transfer sparked strong emotions on both sides of the Bedlam rivalry, there’s a universal respect for what Maxwell brought to the sport in Oklahoma. Her performance, leadership, and class throughout a high-profile transition helped win over even her staunchest critics. In many ways, she personified what college athletics is supposed to be about: competition, growth, and the pursuit of excellence.
As she now transitions into professional softball, Maxwell’s impact will go beyond wins and strikeouts. She is entering a realm where visibility matters, where the success of athletes can inspire league sustainability and fan engagement. She will be one of the faces of this next era in women’s pro softball — not just for her talent, but for her story. Her presence, much like her fastball, demands attention.
The professional game will pose new challenges, of course. The level of competition is even higher, with players from around the world bringing unique styles and elite experience. But Maxwell is not one to shy away from challenge. If anything, her college career proves she thrives on it. Her journey from Oklahoma State standout to Oklahoma leader to professional pitcher has prepared her for the rigors and rewards of life as a pro athlete.
For the young girls watching — those who dream of one day playing under the bright lights, striking out the side, and celebrating with teammates — Kelly Maxwell represents possibility. She’s proof that it’s possible to reinvent yourself, to make hard choices, to bet on your own growth, and to reach the pinnacle of your sport. In signing her professional contract, she’s not just advancing her career — she’s inspiring the next generation to do the same.
In the months ahead, Maxwell will begin her first professional season, donning a new jersey but bringing with her the same competitive fire that made her a household name in college softball. She’ll face veteran hitters, adapt to different coaching styles, and likely become a mentor to younger players breaking into the league. It’s a role she’s well-suited for, both as a competitor and as a person.
Whether she’s spinning pitches past batters in front of packed stadiums or mentoring rookies during long road trips, Maxwell’s influence will be felt far and wide. And though her college days are now behind her, the legacy she built — at both Oklahoma State and Oklahoma — will remain part of her story forever.
For now, Kelly Maxwell steps into the professional world with a glove, a ball, and a mission. She’s not just chasing strikeouts anymore. She’s chasing history, longevity, and the opportunity to make an even greater impact on the sport she loves.
