Miali Guachino makes it official in joining the Sooners to be part of Patty Gasso’s pitching staff.

The Oklahoma Sooners have added another powerful arm to their legendary softball program, as Miali Guachino officially announced her commitment to join Patty Gasso’s pitching staff, bolstering a unit that has already been the backbone of Oklahoma’s national dominance in recent years.

Guachino, a seasoned and highly respected pitcher with a proven track record at the collegiate level, confirmed the news via social media and a university press release, expressing her excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to wear the crimson and cream.

“I’m honored and beyond thrilled to officially become a Sooner,” Guachino said. “Coach Gasso has built something special in Norman, and I can’t wait to compete, learn, and grow as part of this incredible program.”

Her addition immediately deepens the Sooners’ bullpen and gives Oklahoma a battle-tested pitcher with postseason experience, veteran poise, and the type of firepower needed to thrive in the high-pressure SEC environment.

Originally from California, Miali Guachino made a name for herself as one of the top West Coast arms during her time at San Diego State, where she helped lead the Aztecs to multiple Mountain West titles and deep postseason runs. Known for her exceptional control, change-of-pace mastery, and mental toughness in the circle, Guachino earned first-team all-conference honors and built a reputation as a high-IQ pitcher with command well beyond her years.

In her breakout season, she posted a 1.92 ERA, struck out 163 batters, and held opponents to a .187 batting average. More impressively, she consistently rose to the occasion against Power Five competition—highlighted by her clutch performances in NCAA regional play and marquee matchups against nationally ranked teams.

Her poise and precision didn’t go unnoticed. Over the past two seasons, she emerged as one of the most sought-after transfers in the country, ultimately drawing interest from top programs across the SEC, Pac-12, and Big 12.

But in the end, there was one place that stood out.

“Oklahoma is the gold standard,” Guachino said. “When I visited, I saw what makes it different—the accountability, the intensity, the family atmosphere. It just felt like home.”

The Sooners have long been defined by dominant pitching, from Keilani Ricketts to Paige Parker, and most recently Jordy Bahl, who led OU to national titles before transferring back to Nebraska. In the wake of Bahl’s departure, questions naturally arose about how Oklahoma would fill the void at the top of its rotation.

Guachino’s arrival goes a long way in answering that.

“She brings experience, discipline, and a competitor’s heart,” head coach Patty Gasso said. “Miali has faced pressure. She’s been the ace. She knows how to win, and she has the mindset we value—selfless, gritty, and focused.”

Gasso emphasized that Guachino’s maturity and leadership will be just as valuable as her mechanics. “She’s a mentor in the making,” Gasso added. “She’ll help develop our young arms while pushing herself to new heights.”

Guachino is expected to compete immediately for a prominent role in the rotation, potentially as a starter or high-leverage reliever depending on how the staff shapes up in fall camp.

What makes Guachino such a perfect fit in Oklahoma’s system is her versatility. She’s not just a fastball-changeup specialist—she’s a technician. With five effective pitches, including a devastating drop curve and deceptive riseball, she can attack batters in multiple ways, and she thrives on strategy and out-thinking hitters.

“She doesn’t overpower you, she outsmarts you,” one opposing coach said. “She’ll make the same pitch look three different ways.”

Her control is elite—Guachino averages fewer than one walk per seven innings—and her ability to induce soft contact keeps pitch counts low and rallies short.

The Sooners, already loaded with talented underclassmen arms and recent signees, now have a savvy veteran who can anchor the staff, provide playoff experience, and serve as a calming influence on and off the field.

It’s no secret that Gasso recruits players who fit her program’s tight-knit, high-accountability culture. Guachino, a vocal leader and proven worker, fits seamlessly.

“Miali’s work ethic and love for the game are contagious,” said a former San Diego State teammate. “She’s always the first one to lift teammates up and the last one to leave the practice field.”

That mindset aligns perfectly with Oklahoma’s championship culture, where leadership is shared and roles are earned through effort, not status.

The Sooners are also uniquely positioned to support Guachino’s aspirations beyond college. With NIL opportunities, national exposure, and ties to professional softball and USA Softball, OU offers the kind of platform that can elevate her profile for years to come.

The announcement sent a wave of excitement through Sooner Nation, with fans, alumni, and current players welcoming Guachino with open arms.

Star infielder Tiare Jennings posted on social media: “Let’s goooo Miali!! So pumped to go to battle with you!! #ChampionshipMindset”

Sooner fans, known for their passion and knowledge of the game, quickly embraced Guachino’s commitment. Within hours of the announcement, custom jerseys and “Sooner Guachino” graphics began circulating online, and buzz about the team’s 2025 title hopes intensified.

With the SEC era beginning in full swing, Guachino’s presence adds not only depth but swagger to a team that already boasts one of the most talented rosters in the nation.

Guachino joins a staff that includes rising sophomore arms like Nicole May, Kierston Deal, and freshman phenom Abby Grace Jones, among others. Her experience is expected to help balance the youth of the rotation while also mentoring the program’s next generation.

Pitching coach Jennifer Rocha praised Guachino’s competitive maturity and work ethic, calling her “a student of the game and a leader by example.” Rocha and Gasso plan to rotate pitchers more strategically this season, using matchups and pitch sequencing to keep hitters off-balance over the course of long SEC and postseason series.

Guachino’s adaptability makes her a linchpin in that plan.

“She’s someone you trust in any situation,” Rocha said. “Bases loaded, top of the order, late innings—she wants the ball.”

As she prepares to move to Norman and begin her journey with the Sooners, Guachino says her goals are simple.

“I want to win. I want to grow. And I want to leave a legacy—not just in stats, but in how I treat people and how I compete every single day,” she said. “Wearing Oklahoma across my chest is an honor I don’t take lightly. I’m ready to give everything I’ve got.”

For Oklahoma fans, her arrival represents yet another signal that Patty Gasso is not rebuilding—she’s reloading, even as the sport evolves and competition deepens. With Guachino in the circle, the Sooners have added not just an arm—but a mindset.