Having previously excelled for Oklahoma State in the Women’s College World Series, Maxwell has been a consistent presence in the circle for the Cowgirls over the last three years.
Throughout her career, she has accumulated 28 1/3 innings at the WCWS, tallying 48 strikeouts while conceding 12 earned runs on 20 hits and issuing 24 walks.
Now in her fifth year, the left-handed pitcher will conclude her collegiate journey at Devon Park, formerly known as USA Hall of Fame Stadium, representing Oklahoma.
Kelly Maxwell pitched in the Women’s College World Series for three consecutive years while representing Oklahoma State. / Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Even with her extensive experience, Maxwell continues to embrace opportunities for growth, as demonstrated by her recent experiences.
In a Super Regional matchup at Love’s Field last Thursday and Friday, the 2-seeded Sooners triumphed over the 15-seeded Florida State team. However, Maxwell faced a challenging battle in the first game of the series.
Despite issuing a season-high six walks in the 11-3 victory, which OU secured in five innings, Maxwell ensured that the Seminoles never posed a significant threat to take the game in Norman.
As she prepares to return to the Women’s College World Series, where the Sooners have the chance to achieve an unprecedented four consecutive titles, Maxwell is determined to glean lessons from her recent matchup against Florida State.
Reflecting on her performance, Maxwell remarked during WCWS Media Day on Wednesday, “It was good for me to kind of go through that. You don’t want to be comfortable all the time. It’s good. You learn your best from whenever you’re uncomfortable… I’ve worked hard this week on just getting back.”
Oklahoma boasts a formidable pitching staff.
Since her arrival in 2021, senior right-hander Nicole May has been a constant presence alongside Patty Gasso and the Sooners, boasting considerable experience on the sport’s grandest stage.
Sophomore Kierston Deal has made significant strides this year, while Gasso has frequently relied on Liberty transfer Karlie Keeney to contribute from the bullpen throughout the season.
However, Gasso specifically called upon Maxwell to navigate the pressure of last week’s Super Regional.
“The message to Maxwell was to persevere,” Gasso stated following the victory against Florida State. “Because you’re going to have to learn… If we get to the World Series, you’ve got to fight through really tough times.”
Now, there are no more uncertainties.
The Sooners have returned to Oklahoma City.
Even though they aren’t the top overall seed, an accolade held by Texas, Oklahoma remains the team everyone is vying to surpass at the pinnacle of the sport.
OU will kick off the WCWS against Duke at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday.
The Blue Devils suffered their first defeat of the season to Oklahoma in Mexico, and they’ll be focused on causing an upset against the defending champions with thousands of Sooners in attendance.
Maxwell has received the initial call from Gasso since Big 12 play commenced.
Should this pattern persist, she will need to put the walks she surrendered against Florida State behind her and confront an exceptional Duke lineup to propel Oklahoma to a Game 1 victory.
“You can’t dwell on the last outing too much,” Maxwell remarked. “I think just being in this moment, using my experience being here before, just really relying on my team to have my back defensively, the pitching staff.
“We’re all going to maximize our roles… Just being able to rely on each other in this moment and know we’re here for a reason and we’re going to be present.”
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