Celebrations as Agbayani and Pickering joins teammates Cydney Sanders and Sam Landry on the CSC Academic All-American list

As the spring sun gilded the campus of the University of Oklahoma, four leaders stood out—not just for their prowess on the softball diamond, but for their unwavering dedication to excellence in the classroom. On May 27, 2025, the Oklahoma Sooners proudly celebrated a moment of collective achievement: Ailana Agbayani and Kasidi Pickering joined teammates Cydney Sanders and Sam Landry in earning prestigious spots on the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All‑District softball team .

This milestone marks a continuation of Oklahoma’s lasting legacy in fostering student-athletes who excel both athletically and academically. Under the guidance of head coach Patty Gasso—herself a former academic All‑District and coach of multiple honorees—the program has now produced 42 CSC Academic All‑District recipients and 20 Academic All‑American honorees. This level of success underscores the institutional commitment to balancing championship performance with scholastic rigor .

Historically, the Sooners softball program has prided itself on a dual identity—dominance on the field and excellence in the classroom. The Academic All‑District recognition exemplifies this balance. To be selected by CSC (formerly CoSIDA), student-athletes must maintain at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA and meet stringent criteria for playing or pitching minutes . That kind of achievement demands discipline, time management, and high standards—qualities synonymous with Sooners softball.

Under coach Gasso, those qualities have permeated the team culture. Whether it’s late-night study sessions or extra film work, players learn that leadership extends beyond line drives and defensive stands—it thrives in academic hallways and professional aspirations too.

Transfer standout Ailana Agbayani, formerly with BYU, has had a spectacular season that shines both in athletic and academic fields. At the plate, Agbayani has posted a robust .424 batting average and totaled 16 extra-base hits—including key homers against ranked opponents like Baylor and Texas during SEC play and postseason tournaments .

Defensively, her presence at second base brings sure-handed consistency and poise, addressing a crucial on-field need and allowing the team to execute with precision. Her collegiate credentials illustrate a player who grinds in practice and succeeds under pressure.

Academically, Agbayani’s inclusion on the CSC Academic All‑District team elevates her as a scholar-athlete role model. She demonstrates that even with rigorous travel, practice, and competition schedules, academic excellence is both possible and non-negotiable.

The same duality defines Kasidi Pickering, whose bat has become one of the team’s most feared weapons. From her walk-off home run against Bowling Green to grand slams and clutch RBIs, Pickering has electrified crowds and secured victories throughout the season . Statistical highlights include reaching career milestones—100 career hits, 100 runs scored, and 100 RBIs—a testament to her consistency and versatility .

Pickering’s well-rounded game, combined with her 3.5+ GPA, earned her recognition on the CSC Academic All‑District team—a reminder that dedication in the classroom must match skill on the field

Joining Agbayani and Pickering in this academic honor roll are teammates Cydney Sanders and Sam Landry, both illustrious for their contributions to recent team success.

Sanders, a source of offensive spark, has compiled 100 RBIs and 100 walks this season, providing consistency and pressure at the plate . Balancing this offensive output with outstanding academic performance on and off the field, she embodies the classic model of a student-athlete.

Landry, a powerhouse in the circle, has emerged as one of the nation’s elite pitchers. Her achievements include a perfect game in February’s matchup with Baylor, along with a commanding season that includes a 23-4 record, a 1.92 ERA, and 170 strikeouts . Drafted in early May as the first overall pick in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) by the Volts, Landry is a star both on and off the field . Her Academic All‑District honor highlights a commitment to academic excellence alongside athletic dominance.

The collective recognition of Agbayani, Pickering, Sanders, and Landry reflects a shared ethos within the program. Coach Gasso has emphasized that they are not just players, but leaders. They understand that representing Oklahoma is an honor that lasts long after game day or the final pitch—they are ambassadors whose work ethic inspires younger athletes.

It’s also a reminder of the role teammates play in each other’s success. As one excels in the classroom, the standard rises across the group. The closeness of the 2025 squad—highlighted by strong infield defense, dominant pitching performances, and clutch hitters—mirrors their collective investment in shared ideals.

Athletics naturally garners attention—and this group delivers. The same weekend they learned of their Academic All‑District honors, the Sooners continued to dominate. Sam Landry’s perfect game vs. Baylor, coupled with offensive explosions from Agbayani, Pickering, Parker, and Sanders, fueled commanding wins .

In that Baylor contest, Landry retired all 15 batters on just 56 pitches with eight strikeouts, while Agbayani, Pickering, Sanders, and Parker drove in runs to an 8-0 run-rule win . Days earlier, a doubleheader saw Pickering deliver a walk-off grand slam while Sanders tied her season-high with seven RBIs—and Agbayani again recorded multiple hits .

Oklahoma softball’s reputation is built on combining elite performance with personal development—a principle that resonates when preparing for future success both inside and outside athletics. Participation in professional leagues, postgraduate opportunities, and career advancement often depend on the foundation of academic preparation laid in college.

Alongside trophies and athletic honors, this academic recognition signals to recruiters, universities, and the professional market that OU athletes are reliable, disciplined, and poised for long-term success.

This year’s group—Agbayani, Pickering, Sanders, Landry—is part of a lineage of academic achievers in Oklahoma softball. They’ve extended the record of NCAA-accredited recognition and reflected the evolving identity of student-athletes, where classroom effort matters as much as game performance.

Their selection also sets an example for recruits. The message is clear: at Oklahoma, athletes don’t have to choose between academic rigor and athletic ambition—they can excel in both.

As district winners, these athletes now ascend to the national ballot, where CSC members will determine the national Academic All‑American teams, to be announced June 17 . Given their balanced resumes, hard-working and high-profile contributions, they are strong contenders to join those distinguished ranks.

Their achievements transcend personal accolades. For younger players, fans, and aspiring Sooner athletes, these recognitions demonstrate what’s possible through commitment, resilience, and balance. They show that the value of a scholarship is measured not only in wins, but also in educational attainment and post-collegiate readiness.

School administrators, boosters, parents, not to mention the athletes themselves—they all take pride in this story. It fuels the passion in the stands, the investment in facilities and support services, and the reputation that Oklahoma builds year after year.

In a season marked by perfect games, walk-off wins, and dominant pitching; senior leadership and thrilling baseball moments—the academic accomplishments of Agbayani, Pickering, Sanders, and Landry remind us that the Sooners’ identity is multi-dimensional. They excel under coach Gasso’s philosophy, which champions growth in sport and in life.

On May 27, as their names were announced on the CSC Academic All‑District list, they doubled their impact—as athletes and as scholars. They carried the Oklahoma banner once again with intelligence and integrity.

As they await national honors in mid-June, one thing is certain: their academic triumphs add another layer to the success story of OU Softball. They remind us that champions aren’t defined solely by championships—they’re defined by their character, their curiosity, and their commitment.

Congratulations to Ailana Agbayani, Kasidi Pickering, Cydney Sanders, and Sam Landry for this impressive recognition. As they continue their journeys—on the field, in the classroom, and beyond—they set a standard for what it truly means to be a Sooner.