NORMAN — OU softball pitcher Sophia Bordi released a statement Tuesday via social media, a week after Sooners coach Patty Gasso told reporters Bordi was absent from the team.
Gasso said Bordi went home and didn’t finish the season due to a “personal situation.”“With all of the articles and rumors coming out, I thought I would address this situation myself,” Bordi wrote. “I appreciate Coach Gasso for keeping my information private. I made the decision myself to step away from school and softball for the rest of the season because I needed to take time to work on my personal/mental health.
“This was something that I felt needed to be dealt with back home with my family’s support, and also so I wasn’t a distraction to the team in the middle of the season. I appreciate everyone’s concerns but wish that information wasn’t being falsely spread the way it was.”
There are times when it’s necessary to take a step back before moving forward. I’ve never been more proud of my kid, than this moment in her life, for realizing what she had to do to save her life.. You know what they say, the comeback is bigger than the setback. ❤️🫶🏾 https://t.co/lrpaTojnRp
— Danielle Strader Bordi (@DanielleBordi31) May 13, 2025
A right-handed pitcher from Haddon Heights, New Jersey, Bordi was slated to spend the 2025 season throwing against the Sooners’ hitters, picking pitching coach Jennifer Rocha’s brain, working with the program’s strength coaches and experiencing the day-to-day grind while redshirting.
Bordi was the No. 5 high school softball pitcher in the class of 2025 per Softball America before she reclassified. She is also a two-time Gatorade New Jersey Player of the Year and led Haddon Heights High School to two state titles and earned tournament MVP honors.
Bordi will be watching from home as the Sooners (45-7) take on Boston University (39-17) to open the NCAA Tournament at 5 p.m. Friday at Love’s Field on ESPNU.
“With that being said, the season is still going and my girls are still working,” Bordi wrote. “I’m always watching and cheering them on, no matter what. Boomer!”
