The NCAA softball tournament begins this week with 16 regionals, aiming for a spot in the Women's College World Series. Key players to watch include Megan Grant and Kendall Wells, among others.
Key points
NCAA softball tournament starts this week
16 regionals followed by 8 super regionals
Teams aim for Women's College World Series
Megan Grant and Kendall Wells are key players
Focus on various storylines and players
Megan GrantKendall WellsNCAA softball tournamentWomen's College World Series
The NCAA softball tournament gets under way in a few days. First up will be 16 regionals this week, followed by eight super regionals next week. But all of the teams have one goal — a spot in the Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City.
Even though most fans in our neck of the woods will be locked on what OU and OSU are doing, there are lots of storylines. Things to watch. People to see.
Here, in homage to the 16 regionals, are 16 people who you'll want to keep an eye on as the tournament starts.
Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) celebrates her home run in the second inning during the college softball game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Georgia Bulldogs at Love's Field in Norman, Okla., Friday, April, 24, 2026. Wells sett the new OU softball single-season home run record.
North Oconee's Kendall Wells poses for a photo before practce on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025.
Q&A
What is the schedule for the NCAA softball tournament 2026?
The NCAA softball tournament starts with 16 regionals this week, followed by eight super regionals next week.
Who are the top players to watch in the NCAA softball tournament?
Megan Grant and Kendall Wells are among the key players to keep an eye on as the tournament unfolds.
What is the goal of teams in the NCAA softball tournament?
All teams are aiming for a spot in the Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City.
How many teams will compete in the Women's College World Series?
The Women's College World Series will feature teams that advance through the NCAA softball tournament, starting with 64 teams.
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Oklahoma catcher Kendall Wells (1) hits a home run during the home opener softball game between Oklahoma and Alabama State at Love’s Field in Norman Okla., on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.
North Oconee's Kendall Wells (00) at ball during a GHSA high school softball game between North Oconee and Troup County in Bogart, Ga., on Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021.
Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) celebrates her home run in the second inning during the college softball game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Georgia Bulldogs at Love's Field in Norman, Okla., Friday, April, 24, 2026. Wells set the new OU softball single-season home run record.
North Oconee's Kendall Wells (00) takes a shot while being defended by Cedar Shoals' Laniya Faust (10) during a GHSA basketball game between Cedar Shoals and North Oconee in Bogart, Ga, on Tuesday, Jan 31, 2023. North Oconee won 57-41.
North Oconee's Kendall Wells and Lolly Willis pose for a photo before practce on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025.
Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) hits a home run in the second inning during the college softball game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Georgia Bulldogs at Love's Field in Norman, Okla., Friday, April, 24, 2026. Wells sett the new OU softball single-season home run record.
Oklahoma Sooners catcher Kendall Wells (1) celebrates as she runs home after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning of a college sotball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's FIeld in Norman, Okla., Thursday, April 2, 2026.
Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) celebrates her home run in the second inning during the college softball game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Georgia Bulldogs at Love's Field in Norman, Okla., Friday, April, 24, 2026. Wells set the new OU softball single-season home run record.
Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) celebrates her home run in the second inning during the college softball game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Georgia Bulldogs at Love's Field in Norman, Okla., Friday, April, 24, 2026. Wells set the new OU softball single-season home run record.
Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) watches her home run in the second inning during the college softball game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Georgia Bulldogs at Love's Field in Norman, Okla., Friday, April, 24, 2026. Wells set the new OU softball single-season home run record.
Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) throws to first during the college softball game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Georgia Bulldogs at Love's Field in Norman, Okla., Saturday, April, 25, 2026.
Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) fields a bunt during the college softball game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Georgia Bulldogs at Love's Field in Norman, Okla., Saturday, April, 25, 2026.
Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) celebrates a home run during the college softball game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Georgia Bulldogs at Love's Field in Norman, Okla., Saturday, April, 25, 2026.
Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) celebrates a home run during the college softball game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Georgia Bulldogs at Love's Field in Norman, Okla., Saturday, April, 25, 2026.
Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) celebrates a home run during the college softball game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Georgia Bulldogs at Love's Field in Norman, Okla., Saturday, April, 25, 2026.
Oklahoma Sooners catcher Kendall Wells (1) drives in a run in the sixth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Arkansas Razorbacks at Love's Field in Norman, Okla., Friday, April 17, 2026.
Oklahoma Sooners catcher Kendall Wells (1) celebrates after getting walked in the third inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Arkansas Razorbacks at Love's Field in Norman, Okla., Friday, April 17, 2026.
Oklahoma Sooners catcher Kendall Wells (1) catches the ball for an out in the second inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Arkansas Razorbacks at Love's Field in Norman, Okla., Friday, April 17, 2026.
Oklahoma Sooners catcher Kendall Wells (1) hits a two-run home run in the third inning of a Bedlam softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Oklahoma Sooners at Devon Park in Oklahoma CIty, Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Oklahoma State won 6-4.
Oklahoma Sooners catcher Kendall Wells (1) celebrates after hitting a two-run home run in the third inning of a Bedlam softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Oklahoma Sooners at Devon Park in Oklahoma CIty, Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Oklahoma State won 6-4.
Oklahoma Sooners catcher Kendall Wells (1) celebrates after hitting a two-run home run in the third inning of a Bedlam softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Oklahoma Sooners at Devon Park in Oklahoma CIty, Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Oklahoma State won 6-4.
Oklahoma catcher Kendall Wells (1) hits a home run during the season opener softball game between Oklahoma and Alabama State at Love’s Field in Norman Okla., on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.
Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) celebrates her 30th home run of the year during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026. Wells tied the freshman home run season record.
Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) hits her 30th home run of the year during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026. Wells tied the freshman home run season record.
Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) hits her 30th home run of the year during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026. Wells tied the freshman home run season record.
Oklahoma head coach Patty Gasso high fives Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) after she hit her 30th home run of the year during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026. Wells tied the freshman home run season record.
Oklahoma Sooners catcher Kendall Wells (1) celebrates after getting walked in the second inning of a college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla., Thursday, April 2, 2026.
Oklahoma Sooners catcher Kendall Wells (1) hits a two-run home run in the first inning of a college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla., Thursday, April 2, 2026.
Oklahoma Sooners catcher Kendall Wells (1) hits a two-run home run in the first inning of a college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla., Thursday, April 2, 2026.
Oklahoma softball pitching coach Jennifer Rocha talks with pitcher Audrey Lowry (24) and catcher Kendall Wells (1) during a college sotball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's FIeld in Norman, Okla., Thursday, April 2, 2026.
Oklahoma Sooners catcher Kendall Wells (1) celebrates as she runs home after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning of a college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla., Thursday, April 2, 2026.
Oklahoma Sooners catcher Kendall Wells (1) celebrates as she runs home after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning of a college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla., Thursday, April 2, 2026.
Oklahoma’s Kendall Wells (1) hits a home run during an exhibition NCAA softball game between Oklahoma and Oklahoma Christian at Love’s Field in Norman, Okla., on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025.
Oklahoma catcher Kendall Wells (1) catches a pitch during the home opener softball game between Oklahoma and Alabama State at Love’s Field in Norman Okla., on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.
Oklahoma catcher Kendall Wells (1) gets in a pickle during the home opener softball game between Oklahoma and Alabama State at Love’s Field in Norman Okla., on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.
Oklahoma’s Kendall Wells (1) hits a home run during an exhibition NCAA softball game between Oklahoma and Oklahoma Christian at Love’s Field in Norman, Okla., on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025.
Oklahoma’s Kendall Wells (1) hits a home run during an exhibition NCAA softball game between Oklahoma and Oklahoma Christian at Love’s Field in Norman, Okla., on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025.
Oklahoma catcher Kendall Wells (1) catches a foul ball during the home opener softball game between Oklahoma and Alabama State at Love’s Field in Norman Okla., on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.
Oklahoma’s Kendall Wells (1) hits a home run during an exhibition NCAA softball game between Oklahoma and Oklahoma Christian at Love’s Field in Norman, Okla., on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025.
North Oconee's Lolly Willis (1) and Kendall Wells (00) block a shot from Cedar Shoals' Chasity Lunceford (42) during a GHSA basketball game between Cedar Shoals and North Oconee in Bogart, Ga, on Tuesday, Jan 31, 2023.
Oklahoma catcher Kendall Wells (1) gets in a pickle and scores during the home opener softball game between Oklahoma and Alabama State at Love’s Field in Norman Okla., on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.
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See the best news, sports photos from The Oklahoman in April 2026
Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) celebrates her home run in the second inning during the college softball game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Georgia Bulldogs at Love's Field in Norman, Okla., Friday, April, 24, 2026. Wells sett the new OU softball single-season home run record.
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See the best news, sports photos from The Oklahoman in April 2026
Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) celebrates her home run in the second inning during the college softball game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Georgia Bulldogs at Love's Field in Norman, Okla., Friday, April, 24, 2026. Wells sett the new OU softball single-season home run record.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
North Oconee's Kendall Wells poses for a photo before practce on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
Oklahoma catcher Kendall Wells (1) hits a home run during the home opener softball game between Oklahoma and Alabama State at Love’s Field in Norman Okla., on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
North Oconee's Kendall Wells (00) at ball during a GHSA high school softball game between North Oconee and Troup County in Bogart, Ga., on Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) celebrates her home run in the second inning during the college softball game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Georgia Bulldogs at Love's Field in Norman, Okla., Friday, April, 24, 2026. Wells set the new OU softball single-season home run record.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
North Oconee's Kendall Wells (00) takes a shot while being defended by Cedar Shoals' Laniya Faust (10) during a GHSA basketball game between Cedar Shoals and North Oconee in Bogart, Ga, on Tuesday, Jan 31, 2023. North Oconee won 57-41.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
North Oconee's Kendall Wells and Lolly Willis pose for a photo before practce on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025.
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OU softball, baby tiger and OKC Thunder, Sarah Phipps' best photos of April 2026
Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) hits a home run in the second inning during the college softball game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Georgia Bulldogs at Love's Field in Norman, Okla., Friday, April, 24, 2026. Wells sett the new OU softball single-season home run record.
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OKC Memorial Marathon, festivals, NBA Playoffs, Bryan Terry's best photos of April 2026
Oklahoma Sooners catcher Kendall Wells (1) celebrates as she runs home after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning of a college sotball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's FIeld in Norman, Okla., Thursday, April 2, 2026.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) celebrates her home run in the second inning during the college softball game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Georgia Bulldogs at Love's Field in Norman, Okla., Friday, April, 24, 2026. Wells set the new OU softball single-season home run record.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) celebrates her home run in the second inning during the college softball game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Georgia Bulldogs at Love's Field in Norman, Okla., Friday, April, 24, 2026. Wells set the new OU softball single-season home run record.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) watches her home run in the second inning during the college softball game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Georgia Bulldogs at Love's Field in Norman, Okla., Friday, April, 24, 2026. Wells set the new OU softball single-season home run record.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) throws to first during the college softball game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Georgia Bulldogs at Love's Field in Norman, Okla., Saturday, April, 25, 2026.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) fields a bunt during the college softball game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Georgia Bulldogs at Love's Field in Norman, Okla., Saturday, April, 25, 2026.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) celebrates a home run during the college softball game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Georgia Bulldogs at Love's Field in Norman, Okla., Saturday, April, 25, 2026.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) celebrates a home run during the college softball game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Georgia Bulldogs at Love's Field in Norman, Okla., Saturday, April, 25, 2026.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) celebrates a home run during the college softball game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Georgia Bulldogs at Love's Field in Norman, Okla., Saturday, April, 25, 2026.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
Oklahoma Sooners catcher Kendall Wells (1) drives in a run in the sixth inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Arkansas Razorbacks at Love's Field in Norman, Okla., Friday, April 17, 2026.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
Oklahoma Sooners catcher Kendall Wells (1) celebrates after getting walked in the third inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Arkansas Razorbacks at Love's Field in Norman, Okla., Friday, April 17, 2026.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
Oklahoma Sooners catcher Kendall Wells (1) catches the ball for an out in the second inning of a college softball game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Arkansas Razorbacks at Love's Field in Norman, Okla., Friday, April 17, 2026.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
Oklahoma Sooners catcher Kendall Wells (1) hits a two-run home run in the third inning of a Bedlam softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Oklahoma Sooners at Devon Park in Oklahoma CIty, Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Oklahoma State won 6-4.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
Oklahoma Sooners catcher Kendall Wells (1) celebrates after hitting a two-run home run in the third inning of a Bedlam softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Oklahoma Sooners at Devon Park in Oklahoma CIty, Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Oklahoma State won 6-4.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
Oklahoma Sooners catcher Kendall Wells (1) celebrates after hitting a two-run home run in the third inning of a Bedlam softball game between the Oklahoma State Cowgirls and the Oklahoma Sooners at Devon Park in Oklahoma CIty, Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Oklahoma State won 6-4.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
Oklahoma catcher Kendall Wells (1) hits a home run during the season opener softball game between Oklahoma and Alabama State at Love’s Field in Norman Okla., on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) celebrates her 30th home run of the year during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026. Wells tied the freshman home run season record.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) hits her 30th home run of the year during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026. Wells tied the freshman home run season record.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) hits her 30th home run of the year during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026. Wells tied the freshman home run season record.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
Oklahoma head coach Patty Gasso high fives Oklahoma's Kendall Wells (1) after she hit her 30th home run of the year during the college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla. Saturday April 4, 2026. Wells tied the freshman home run season record.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
Oklahoma Sooners catcher Kendall Wells (1) celebrates after getting walked in the second inning of a college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla., Thursday, April 2, 2026.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
Oklahoma Sooners catcher Kendall Wells (1) hits a two-run home run in the first inning of a college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla., Thursday, April 2, 2026.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
Oklahoma Sooners catcher Kendall Wells (1) hits a two-run home run in the first inning of a college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla., Thursday, April 2, 2026.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
Oklahoma softball pitching coach Jennifer Rocha talks with pitcher Audrey Lowry (24) and catcher Kendall Wells (1) during a college sotball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's FIeld in Norman, Okla., Thursday, April 2, 2026.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
Oklahoma Sooners catcher Kendall Wells (1) celebrates as she runs home after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning of a college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla., Thursday, April 2, 2026.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
Oklahoma Sooners catcher Kendall Wells (1) celebrates as she runs home after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning of a college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Kentucky Wildcats at Love's Field in Norman, Okla., Thursday, April 2, 2026.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
Oklahoma’s Kendall Wells (1) hits a home run during an exhibition NCAA softball game between Oklahoma and Oklahoma Christian at Love’s Field in Norman, Okla., on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
Oklahoma catcher Kendall Wells (1) catches a pitch during the home opener softball game between Oklahoma and Alabama State at Love’s Field in Norman Okla., on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
Oklahoma catcher Kendall Wells (1) gets in a pickle during the home opener softball game between Oklahoma and Alabama State at Love’s Field in Norman Okla., on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
Oklahoma’s Kendall Wells (1) hits a home run during an exhibition NCAA softball game between Oklahoma and Oklahoma Christian at Love’s Field in Norman, Okla., on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
Oklahoma’s Kendall Wells (1) hits a home run during an exhibition NCAA softball game between Oklahoma and Oklahoma Christian at Love’s Field in Norman, Okla., on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
Oklahoma catcher Kendall Wells (1) catches a foul ball during the home opener softball game between Oklahoma and Alabama State at Love’s Field in Norman Okla., on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
Oklahoma’s Kendall Wells (1) hits a home run during an exhibition NCAA softball game between Oklahoma and Oklahoma Christian at Love’s Field in Norman, Okla., on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
North Oconee's Lolly Willis (1) and Kendall Wells (00) block a shot from Cedar Shoals' Chasity Lunceford (42) during a GHSA basketball game between Cedar Shoals and North Oconee in Bogart, Ga, on Tuesday, Jan 31, 2023.
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Kendall Wells, OU softball catcher, Sooners' single-season HR leader
Oklahoma catcher Kendall Wells (1) gets in a pickle and scores during the home opener softball game between Oklahoma and Alabama State at Love’s Field in Norman Okla., on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.
Kendall Wells, OU slugger: The Sooner freshman has already broken all sorts of home-run records. What will she do in the postseason?
Megan Grant, UCLA slugger: If not for Wells, Grant would've been the talk of the college softball world. She hit 35 homers during the regular season, only one behind Wells. Then she hit three homers in the Big Ten Tournament to break the all-time record.
NiJaree Canady, Texas Tech ace: The Red Raider righty came up one win short of a national title last season. Does she push Tech to the title this time?
Jordy (Bahl) Frahm, Nebraska utility: Yes, the former Sooner is the Husker ace, but she’s also Nebraska’s biggest bat. No player may have more impact on this postseason.
Karlyn Pickens, Tennessee ace: The Vol standout has gotten lots of pitching help this season, but for Tennessee to win a title, Pickens has to be great.
Feb 27, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama pitcher Jocelyn Briski pitches a two-hit shutout against St. Thomas in the Crimson Classic at Rhoads Stadium. Briski struck our 13 batters.
Feb 27, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama pitcher Jocelyn Briski pitches a two-hit shutout against St. Thomas in the Crimson Classic at Rhoads Stadium. Briski struck our 13 batters.
Maya Johnson, Belmont ace: If the WCWS is going to get a non-Power Four team, Belmont might be it. Johnson leads the nations in ERA (0.72) and strikeouts (344).
Ruby Meylan, OSU ace: If the Cowgirls survive regionals, look out. Might be tough to beat Meylan twice in a best-of-three super regional
Mike White, Texas coach: Oh, yeah, the defending national champs. The Horns haven’t been dominant, but White knows how to bring out a team’s best in the postseason.
Moriah Polar, Purdue outfielder: If the bubble Boilers get into the NCAA Tournament, watch Polar. The speedster led the nation with a .577 regular-season batting average.
Isa Torres, Florida State shortstop: Yes, she hit .548 during the regular season, but she also committed no errors at short. A wizard both in the field and at the plate.
Taylor Shumaker, Florida outfielder: After a boffo freshman season, the sophomore leads the Gators in nine offensive categories. No small thing with teammates like Jocelyn Erickson.
Texas Tech starting pitcher NiJaree Canady (24) in Game 2 of the Women's College World Series championship series between the Texas Longhorns at Texas Tech Red Raiders at Devon Park in Oklahoma City, Thursday, June 5, 2025. Texas Tech won 4-3.
Texas Tech starting pitcher NiJaree Canady (24) in Game 2 of the Women's College World Series championship series between the Texas Longhorns at Texas Tech Red Raiders at Devon Park in Oklahoma City, Thursday, June 5, 2025. Texas Tech won 4-3.
Mya Perez, Texas A&M utility: The Aggie slugger finished the regular season with a whopping 50 walks. You’d walk her too once you watch her launch one.
Jocelyn Briski, Alabama ace: The Crimson Tide was a WCWS surprise a year ago. With Briski’s improvement, it is now a contender.
Ella McDowell, Arkansas third baseman: Nifty at the corner, McDowell has also driven in 50 runs for an offense that has more than made up for Bri Ellis’ departure.
Aminah Vega, Duke shortstop: The sparkplug for the Blue Devils’ explosive offense in addition to being the ACC Defensive Player of the Year.
Alyssa Faircloth, Mississippi State pitcher: Peja Goold gets the headlines, but Faircloth is a powerful second option. She led the SEC with 231 strikeouts during the regular season.
Jenni Carlson: Jenni can be reached at jcarlson@oklahoman.com. Like her at facebook.com/JenniCarlsonOK, follow her at @jennicarlsonok.bsky.social and twitter.com/jennicarlson_ok, and support her work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today.
