Jordy Bahl: From National Freshman of the Year to Nebraska's Star Pitcher and Player of the Year

Jordy Bahl, born on July 24, 2002, is an American college softball pitcher and hitter currently playing for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Bahl's career has been marked by remarkable achievements, including being named the NFCA National Freshman of the Year in 2022 while playing for Oklahoma, and the Big Ten Player of the Year honors in 2025 for Nebraska. Her journey is one of triumph, setbacks, and a return to her roots, making her a compelling figure in collegiate softball.

High School Excellence

Bahl attended Papillion-La Vista Senior High School in Papillion, Nebraska, where she quickly established herself as a dominant force. She led the Monarchs to three consecutive Class A state titles and earned All-State honors in each of her four years. Her junior year in 2020 was particularly impressive, as she posted a 27-0 record with a minuscule 0.15 ERA. In 139 innings pitched, she allowed just 27 hits and 24 walks while striking out an astounding 299 batters. Bahl's offensive prowess was equally notable; she batted .581 with 59 RBIs, tying the Class A single-season record with 22 home runs.

In her senior year in 2021, Bahl continued her dominant performance, maintaining a 27-0 record with a 0.10 ERA. She surrendered just 27 hits and 15 walks in 137 innings, striking out 316 batters. By the end of her high school career, Bahl had amassed a 95-3 record, a 0.63 ERA, and 978 strikeouts in 523 innings. She also recorded 63 complete games and one perfect game, solidifying her reputation as one of the top softball players in the nation. Bahl was ranked as the nation's No. 1 recruit.

Collegiate Career at Oklahoma

2022 Season: A Freshman Sensation

Bahl made her collegiate debut for the Oklahoma Sooners on February 10, 2022, against UC Santa Barbara, striking out four of the eight batters she faced in 2+2⁄3 innings. In that game, Sophomore Nicole May and graduate transfer Hope Trautwein combined to finish the perfect game for the Sooners. On February 25, she pitched a perfect game against Cal State Fullerton, striking out 11 in a complete-game performance. This achievement made her the first Oklahoma freshman to pitch a perfect game since Paige Parker in 2015.

Throughout the regular season, Bahl maintained a 21-1 record with a 0.95 ERA, 199 strikeouts, and 29 walks in 132+1⁄3 innings pitched. However, on May 6, 2022, she suffered an injury during a pregame warm-up, sidelining her for the Big 12 Conference tournament due to arm soreness. Despite the injury, she returned to pitch during the 2022 Women's College World Series against Northwestern on June 2, throwing 11 pitches and allowing two hits while recording one out. In the championship game on June 9, she pitched four innings, allowing four hits, two runs, and three walks, while earning the win in the title-clinching game. Her outstanding performance led to her being named the NFCA National Freshman of the Year.

2023 Season: Continued Dominance

In her sophomore year, Bahl continued to excel, posting a 22-1 record with four saves. During 18 conference games, she achieved a 7-0 record with a 0.70 ERA, allowing just four runs. Her seven conference wins were the most among all pitchers, and her opposing batting average of .130 in Big 12 games was the lowest in the league. Following the season, she was unanimously named first-team All-Big 12 and the Big 12 Pitcher of the Year for the second consecutive year.

During the 2023 Women's College World Series, Bahl was instrumental in Oklahoma's success, posting a 4-0 record with one save in 24+2⁄3 scoreless innings. Her stellar performance earned her the title of Women's College World Series Most Outstanding Player. During two seasons at Oklahoma she appeared in 71 games with 46 starts and posted a 44-2 record, 1.00 ERA and 397 strikeouts in 288+2⁄3 innings. Her ERA ranked second in Oklahoma program history and was the lowest since the pitching distance was increased from 40 to 43 feet in 1988.

Transfer to Nebraska

On June 12, 2023, Bahl announced her decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal, a move that surprised many in the softball world. She later shared that "I am excited to return home and be Jordy Bahl the softball player, but more importantly the person.” She added that she was excited about "growing the game that has provided me so many opportunities for growth, in the home state, a current overlooked state for girls in softball at all ages, and I am excited to finish the softball journey right where it began." On June 15, 2023, Bahl officially announced her transfer to the University of Nebraska. This decision allowed her to return to her home state and contribute to the Cornhuskers' softball program.

2024 Season: Setback and Recovery

Bahl's 2024 season at Nebraska was unfortunately cut short due to a season-ending injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her left knee, which she sustained on February 8, 2024, during the opening game against Washington. This setback forced her to redshirt, preventing her from competing for the entire season.

2025 Season: Triumphant Return

In her junior year, Bahl made a remarkable comeback, showcasing her resilience and determination. She posted a 26-8 record with a 1.56 ERA. During conference play she posted a 10-2 record in conference play, with a 1.83 ERA. Offensively she hit .467, with 59 runs, 70 hits, 59 RBIs, 16 doubles and 19 home runs during the regular season. She became the first Husker in program history to record 15 doubles and 15 home runs in the same season. This performance earned her Big Ten player of the year honors and being named one of three finalists for the USA Softball player of the year award. This week, Nebraska softball will aim to advance to the Women’s College World Series for the first time in 12 years when it takes on Tennessee in the super regional round of the 2025 NCAA softball tournament.

Read also: Crafting Your NCAA Profile

Jordy Bahl's Batting Stats

While Bahl has always been recognized for her pitching abilities, her performance at the plate in 2025 has been particularly noteworthy. In her two seasons at Oklahoma, she primarily focused on pitching, accumulating only 40 at-bats. However, in her first full season at Nebraska, she significantly increased her offensive involvement, with 160 at-bats.

Bahl has made the most of these opportunities, boasting a .475 batting average, 23 home runs, 66 RBIs, 16 doubles, and 165 total bases, all of which are team highs. Her year-by-year batting statistics highlight her growth and impact as a hitter:

2022 (Oklahoma): 8 at-bats, .125 average, 1 RBI
2023 (Oklahoma): 32 at-bats, .406 average, 8 RBIs, 2 doubles, 15 total bases, 2 walks, 2 strikeouts
2025 (Nebraska): 160 at-bats, .475 average, 23 home runs, 66 RBIs, 16 doubles, 2 triples, 165 total bases, 26 walks, 14 strikeouts

Jordy Bahl's Pitching Stats

Since her freshman year in 2022, Bahl has consistently been one of the top pitchers in college softball. At Oklahoma, she earned two first-team All-Big 12 selections and was named the conference's pitcher of the year in 2023.

Grade

Bahl is a redshirt junior, having been in college four years, but only competing in three of those.

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