Juliana “Goose” Hutchens, a standout softball player and Choctaw tribal member, is taking her talents to Norman.
The Wagoner High School star recently announced her commitment to The Univeristy of Oklahoma on Sept. 11, joining one of the most dominant programs in college softball.
For her, playing close to home under Hall of Fame coach Patty Gasso is a dream that’s now becoming reality.
In her social media announcement, she expressed gratitude and disbelief.
“This is one of the moments every little girl dreams of getting to experience,” she wrote, thanking the Oklahoma coaching staff for believing in her.
Head coach Patty Gasso posted a celebratory “GO BOOMER,” and the news spread quickly across sports media.
Hutchens, ranked the No. 1 prospect in Oklahoma and one of the top players in the nation for the class of 2027, is considered one of the best catchers in her age group.
Softball America ranks her as the No. 2 overall player in the 2027 class, while Extra Innings lists her as the No. 1 catcher in the country.
While she’s known as one of the best catchers in the country, she is a versatile player, also shining at third base and shortstop.
The numbers back up the hype.
During her sophomore year at Wagoner, Hutchens turned heads with impressive numbers at bat.
In 36 games, she scored 70 runs and had 45 RBIs while batting a .656 average.
She tied the state’s single-season home run record with 23, showing off her power at the plate even as opponents often chose to walk her rather than risk giving her a pitch to hit.
Softball runs in the family.
Her father, Johnny Hutchens, is the head coach at Wagoner.
Her passion for the game has been clear from an early age, extending well beyond high school competition, and she has been playing on big stages for years.
She was a member of the Oklahoma team that won the 2021 Little League Softball World Series, the first team from the state to ever take home the title.
Hutchens also competes with the Iowa Premier 18U National team and was chosen this summer for USA Softball’s Under-18 team, where she will compete in the WBSC World Cup.
For the Sooners, Hutchens is another elite addition to their already stacked roster.
Oklahoma’s softball team has won eight Women’s College World Series championships and made history with a remarkable four-peat from 2021 to 2024, claiming four titles in a row and establishing Norman as the heart of college softball.
Coach Patty Gasso’s recent recruiting classes have been ranked No. 1 in the nation, and Hutchens helps set the tone for the class of 2027.
The Sooners have built one of the strongest dynasties in NCAA softball, consistently attracting top talent.
By adding a player like Hutchens early in the 2027 recruiting cycle, Oklahoma sends a clear message about its commitment to remaining at the top.
For Patty Gasso, signing an in-state star like Hutchens not only strengthens the roster but also maintains the program’s reputation as the preferred destination for elite athletes.
OU’s new home field, Love’s Field, a $43 million facility, has also become a significant draw for players like Hutchens.
With state-of-the-art resources and a history of winning, the Sooners continue to attract the best talent in the nation, and Hutchens is a testament to that success.
While Hutchens still has two more high school seasons to play, her future looks bright.
With her strong batting and defensive skills, along with her leadership on the field, she is expected to make an immediate impact once she puts on a Sooners uniform.
For now, Hutchens will continue to build her impressive resume at Wagoner, with her community, family and the Choctaw Nation cheering her on.
Her commitment to OU is a significant personal achievement and inspires young Native American athletes across Oklahoma who dream of competing at the highest level.