Oklahoma
Oklahoma high school slowpitch softball: Top storylines, players to watch in 2026 season
The 2026 Oklahoma high school slowpitch softball season is upon us.
Programs with rich histories — such as Dale, Mustang and Washington — return to the field eager to add more hardware to their collection. Meanwhile, other teams like Deer Creek, Guthrie and McLoud continue to chase unfinished business and secure a first-state slowpitch title.
With the 2026 high school slowpitch season underway, here are a few notable storylines and 10 OKC-area players to watch:
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Top storylines
Mustang aiming to win second softball title of 2025-26 season. Lacy Darity and the Broncos were finally able to get over the hump last fall. After nearly a decade of competing deep into the postseason, Mustang won its first state fastpitch title since 2017. A thrilling 17-12 loss to Choctaw in the 6A slowpitch state title game last spring fueled the Broncos entering the fall. The Broncos have talent loaded through the roster and have opened the season undefeated at 6-0 while defeating teams by 10.5 runs on average. Stars such as Alexis Kierstead, Rylann Beeson and River Mount continue to shine this spring.
Washington looking to win third straight state softball title. There’s another team looking to add to its dominant championship streak. Fresh off of slowpitch and fastpitch titles in 2025, Washington continues to be one of the top softball programs statewide. Tylor Lampkins’ Warriors have opened the season 7-0 while shutting out its last five opponents in Class 5A. They’re chasing the program’s 15th state slowpitch title, powered by a star trio of Julie Hoehner, Emersyn Massey and Ava Salcedo, with Kelby Beller in the circle.
Can Dale pull off a repeat? 19th-year coach Andy Powell is no stranger to success. His Dale Pirates have dominated both 2A in fastpitch and 4A in slowpitch for the last five seasons. Dale has opened the season 5-0 and recently shutout Little Axe 23-0 in the opening week of the season. The team has one of the best batting lineups in Oklahoma. With stars such as Kinley Patten, Kinsley Hill, Teague Muncy and Heartly Snyder still on the roster, there’s a strong chance that Dale will be back competing in the state tournament in Shawnee this May.
Players to watch in the Oklahoma high school slowpitch season
Kandace Burnett, Jr., Southmoore: The Sabercats are fresh off a state tournament appearance a year ago and have made noise so far in 2026. They’ve jumped out to an 5-2 start thanks to Burnett’s efforts, who recently signed with Iowa State.
Payton Carrillo, Sr., Choctaw: The Yellowjackets have been one of the best teams in Class 6A since Carrillo arrived. She led Choctaw to its first-ever slowpitch state title in May after batting .736 at the plate with 35 home runs and 92 RBIs on 67 hits last season.
Boo Herber, Sr., Dale: A transfer from Carney, the South Carolina signee has been one of the best pitchers across the state and led Dale to a state tournament appearance in the fall.
Julie Hoehner, Sr., Washington: Hoehner has been one of the best hitters in the OKC-metro dating back to her junior season, helping spark a seven-game win streak for Washington to open the season.
Payton Jackson, Sr., Pryor: Jackson played an integral role as the lead-off hitter for Pryor in the fall and is back for me this spring. She hit .466 on the year with 46 runs scored, 27 RBIs and 18 stolen bases during the fastpitch season.
Alexis Kierstead, Sr., Mustang: Kierstead has guided the Broncos to the state tournament in each of her seasons at Mustang, yet again headlining their efforts at the plate.
Ryn McCormick, Jr., Guthrie: McCormick continues to shine for the Bluejays after leading the program back to the state tournament in the fall. She recently batted .333 a week ago with nine hits, six RBIs and three stolen bases.
Reese Poage, Sr., Mustang: The OSU softball signee spearheaded the Broncos’ efforts in the fall en route to a stat title and is one of the top batters in Class 6A again.
Ava Salcedo, Jr., Washington: Salcedo is off to a strong junior season and helped guide Washington to a Class 3A state fastpitch title in the fall.
Braylee Spence, Jr., Lone Grove: Spence stands as one of the best pitchers in the state after guiding Lone Grove to its fourth state championship in five years in the fall. This spring will mark Lone Grove’s first slowpitch season in program history.
Jordan Davis covers high school sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Jordan? He can be reached at jdavis@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @thejordancdavis. Sign up for The Varsity Club newsletter to access more high school coverage. Support Jordan’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com