Houston native Kelly Maxwell overcomes controversy to lead University of Oklahoma to 4th national title

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Houston native and Clear Springs High School product Kelly Maxwell threw a combined 267 pitches to save Oklahoma’s season and lead the Sooners to the national championship finale against Texas.

Sooners coach Patty Gasso called on her star pitcher to close out the Longhorns in Thursday night’s final inning.

Before Maxwell entered the circle, she gathered in the dugout, knowing what was at stake.

“I was just trying to be present,” Maxwell said. “Be where my feet are, grateful for what brought me here.”

Maxwell’s decision to leave Oklahoma State to join bitter rival Oklahoma played a significant role in her path to Most Outstanding Player honors in the Women’s College World Series.

She endured negative comments and outright hatred for her decision, but vowed to help her new teammates with an unprecedented fourth consecutive national title.

Asked about her favorite memory from the championship run, Maxwell said: “Mine was definitely my decision to come here. I got a lot of hate and a lot of doubt, but I’m just grateful for these girls and this team and this staff just came to pick me up.

The talented left-hander finished the NCAA Tournament with a perfect 5-0 record. She threw 148 pitches to beat Florida in a game that saved Oklahoma’s season. Maxwell then shut down No. 1 Texas on Wednesday to set up Thursday night’s deciding game.

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