It’s “Go Boomer” time again in Norman, and Oklahoma softball is already making waves in the transfer portal. The Sooners secured a big-time addition with the commitment of LSU pitcher Sydney Berzon, who announced her decision on social media.
Berzon brings immediate experience, durability, and talent to a Sooners team that just keeps reloading. A three-year standout for the Tigers, Berzon was LSU’s ace, compiling an 18-8 record with a 2.46 ERA this past season. Known for her toughness and stamina, she notched 19 complete games in 2024 and has been a consistent workhorse since arriving in Baton Rouge.
Her career numbers are impressive by any measure: a 52-25 overall record, a 2.02 ERA, 486.1 innings pitched, and 416 strikeouts. That level of performance doesn’t just fill a gap it bolsters an already-loaded OU pitching staff. With Berzon on board, head coach Patty Gasso adds another proven competitor as the Sooners eye their next title run.
This move is part of a focused but strategic portal season for Gasso and OU. The Sooners are already stacked with elite talent across the board, and while they may not need a large haul of transfers, targeted additions like Berzon could be difference-makers in the seasons ahead. The 2026 squad is shaping up to be as formidable as ever.
Of course, the portal runs both ways. With so much competition and limited innings to go around, some current Sooners may opt to transfer for more immediate opportunities elsewhere. And that’s perfectly fine with Gasso, who values culture and commitment just as much as on-field ability.
“Quite honestly, getting players in your program that are 100 percent bought in, that are 100 percent behind the program, the coaches, teammates, et cetera,” Gasso said. “This day and age, I think there’s a lot of ‘I’m not going to play — I’m not playing here, I’m going somewhere else.’ That’s fine. Didn’t bother me at all.”
As always, Gasso takes a player-first approach. If an athlete wants to find another path, she supports them — no drama, no hard feelings. And as recent history shows, every Sooner who enters the portal finds a new home, often thriving elsewhere. Some may even circle back to face OU, and sometimes beat them. That’s the nature of the modern game.
For now, though, it’s celebration time in Norman. Sydney Berzon is a Sooner. Go
Boomer indeed.
