Oklahoma State University Athletics
Former Top-25 prospect Payton Kennedy signs with Cowgirl Softball
June 26, 2026 | Cowgirl Softball
STILLWATER – Payton Kennedy, Extra Inning Softball's No. 25 prospect in the class of 2025, has signed with Oklahoma State Softball.
"We are very excited about the addition of Payton to our team," head coach Kenny Gajewski said. "She has a lot of potential in the circle and with her bat, and we are excited to part of her development. Payton fits the Cowgirl Way."
Kennedy, a right-handed pitcher, joins the Cowgirls with three years of eligibility remaining after spending her freshman season at Ole Miss.
I'm so excited to announce my new home away from home, Kennedy said. The atmosphere and energy here is unmatched; Stillwater feels like home. Kenny and the entire coaching staff welcomed me and made me feel like family right away.
In 2026, Kennedy was named to Softball America's Freshman Watch List but was limited to three appearances and logged a 6.00 ERA over seven innings of work.
Kennedy arrived in Oxford as one of the nation's elite pitching prospects after collecting all-state, all-county, All-CIF and All-Trinity League selections during her high school career at Santa Margarita Catholic. She found success in the batter's box as well, slugging 14 home runs as a senior and earning Santa Margarita's Offensive Player of the Year award.
Additionally, Kennedy boasts an impressive club softball résumé with Arizona Storm National Mathis, which she capped off with a 2025 All-America selection from Premier Girls Fastpitch. Kennedy was a member of the 2024 Storm team that finished fifth at TCS Nationals and ninth at the PGF tournament.
A standout in the classroom as well, Kennedy was named to the honor roll in every semester of high school and was a member of Santa Margarita's Varsity Leadership Counsel.
Kennedy is the fifth transfer to sign with Oklahoma State ahead of the 2027 season, joining fellow pitcher Delainey Everett (Mississippi State), catcher Kennedy Proctor (Utah) and utility players Maddie Hartley (Houston) and Kendra Lewis (Wisconsin).
For more information on Oklahoma State Softball, visit okstate.com and follow @CowgirlSB on X and @osusoftball on Instagram.
