Oklahoma
FSU softball vs. Oklahoma: Preview, how to watch, live updates
Florida State softball swept its way through the Tallahassee Regional, taking down Chattanooga, UCF and Auburn.
Now, they will face a familiar face in the No. 2 Oklahoma Sooners.
Oklahoma is 52-6 overall, and 22-5 in the Big 12 conference. Softball fans will notice that the Sooners have lost more games than usual but are still the same dominant force they always have been. Their first loss came to Louisiana in extra innings, and since then they have dropped series to Texas and Oklahoma State, with another loss to BYU. In their Norman Regional, they took wins against Cleveland State and Oregon.
Kelly Maxwell, after transferring from Oklahoma State, has been the workhorse for the Sooners. With a team leading 121.1 innings, Maxwell has a 1.90 ERA and a 19-2 record. During this time, she has 72 H, 33 R, 42 BB, 127 SO and a .170 B/AVG. Nicole May has been a staple in the OU pitching staff for 5 years, and is now one of the top arms. In 75.2 IP, May has the highest ERA, with a 2.41. She also has 64 H, 29 R, 22 BB, 84 SO and a .224 B/AVG.
Other Key Pitchers:
Kierston Deal: 1.62 ERA / 12-1 W-L / 69 IP / 40 H / 17 R / 17 BB / 64 SO / .162 B/AVG.
Despite not being a top bat in terms of batting average, Tiare Jennings is the team leader in homeruns. With 21 long balls, Jennings also has a .374 BA, 49 R, 64 H, 14 2B, 61 RBI, 31 BB. Kinzie Hansen leads in batting average, with .420, as well as 29 R, 55 H, 8 HR, 33 RBI, and 15 BB.
Other Key Hitters:
Ella Parker: .415 BA / 56 R / 14 2B / 12 HR / 57 RBI / 29 BB
Rylie Boone: .417 BA / 37 R / 63 H / 12 2B / 24 RBI / 10 BB
FSU vs. Oklahoma: Last Matchup
The ‘Noles and Sooners saw each other in the Championship Series of the Women’s College World Series, last season. OU swept FSU in two games, with a 3-1 win in the final game. Kathryn Sandercock pitched all 7 innings, giving up 8 H, 3 R with 3 SO. Alex Storako and Jordy Bahl combined for the Sooners 3rd straight national championship. Mack Leonard provided the lone RBI, on a homerun in the 4th inning, giving FSU the lead at the time.
FSU vs. Oklahoma: Stats Comparison
ERA: FSU (3.60) OU (1.82)
Batting Average: FSU (.336) OU (.365)
Scoring: FSU (7.52) OU (8.07)
On Base Percentage: FSU (.421) OU (.471)
FSU vs. Oklahoma in Super Regionals: How to Watch, Stream
Thursday, May 23rd
- Time: 7 pm ET
- Channel: ESPN2
Friday, May 24th
- Time: 8 pm ET
- Channel: ESPN2
Saturday, May 25th (if necessary)
Oklahoma
OSDE launches teacher mentorship program in Oklahoma
The Oklahoma State Department of Education has launched the Oklahoma Educator Launch & Mentorship Initiative, a statewide effort aimed at improving teacher recruitment and retention through training, mentorship and financial support for educators.
Oklahoma Teacher Initiative
The program includes a five-day Summer Launch Institute scheduled for July 27–31, 2026, followed by year-long mentorship support for first-year teachers.
OSDE said new teachers will be paired with experienced educators throughout the school year to help strengthen classroom readiness and long-term retention.
“Participating first-year teachers may earn up to $2,000 in stipends, while mentors may receive up to $10,000 for supporting new educators,” said Autumn Kouba, OSDE’s senior director of teacher recruitment and retention.
Focus On Teacher Recruitment and Retention
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Lindel Fields said the initiative is designed to support teachers early in their careers while recognizing experienced educators who serve as mentors.
“Recruiting great teachers is only part of the equation,” Fields said in a release. “We also have to ensure they feel supported, prepared, and encouraged to remain in the profession.”
Program Details
- Summer Launch Institute runs July 27–31, 2026
- First-year teachers can receive up to $2,000 in stipends
- Mentors may earn up to $10,000
- Retired educators and experienced teachers can apply as mentors
What happens next?
Applications are open now, and the Summer Launch Institute begins July 27, 2026.
Oklahoma
Prep Spotlight: Getting to know Washington golfer Logan Janaway
From their favorite music to their Braum’s order, Oklahoma City-area high school athletes have a wide range of views.
The Oklahoman asked each athlete who attended an annual media day to answer those questions and more.
Let’s get to know the athletes in the Prep Spotlight:
Order book on Oklahoma HS basketball at ‘The Big House’
Logan Janaway, Washington
Sport: Golf
Class: Sr. | Ht./Wt.: 6-5/240
College choice: Seminole State
Social media: @janawaylogan (Instagram)
Favorite Braum’s order: “Chicken strip dinner”
Favorite pregame musical artist and/or song: “Firefly” by Ty Myers
What’s your dream career outside of being a professional athlete? “Pharmacist”
Who’s the best athlete you’ve played against?: “(Oklahoma State golfer and former Community Christian star) Collin Bond”
If you could change your school mascot, what would it be and why?: “Bugs because annoying”
Nick Sardis covers high school sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Nick? He can be reached at nsardis@oklahoman.com or on Twitter at @nicksardis. Sign up for The Varsity Club newsletter to access more high school coverage. Support Nick’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
Oklahoma
Three Oklahoma wildfire task forces deploy to help battle blazes in southwest Kansas
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KOKH) — Three Oklahoma wildland fire task forces are headed to Kansas to assist with wildfires in southwest Kansas.
Governor Kevin Stitt and the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) said three task forces made up of fire departments from Major, Noble, and Washington counties would assist with ongoing wildfires near Ashland.
The task forces include 32 firefighters, 15 brush trucks, and 1 tender. Crews will be deployed for 12 hours, but that period could be extended.
“Oklahoma is ready to extend the Oklahoma standard as communities respond to these fires,” said Governor Kevin Stitt. “Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management is activated and is deploying resources to assist local partners in need. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as needed.”
The crews are deploying at the request of the Kansas Department of Emergency Management. The department requested assistance through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).
EMAC is a national aid system allowing states to send assistance to help with disaster relief efforts in other states.
“EMAC allows states to quickly share resources when they’re needed most, and we’re grateful our county partners are answering the call to support Kansas,” OEM Director Annie Mack Vest said.
OEM said more support may be deployed if needed.
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