LSU Softball Bolsters Pitching Staff with Oklahoma Transfer Paytn Monticelli

Baton Rouge - 28th July 2025

LSU softball made waves in the transfer portal by securing Paytn Monticelli, a hard-throwing right-handed pitcher from the Oklahoma Sooners, announced on July 28, 2025. The Cedarburg, Wisconsin, native brings a wealth of experience, a proven track record, and a velo that exceeds 70 mph, adding a dynamic arm to the Tigers’ bullpen as they aim to climb the SEC standings in 2026. Monticelli’s journey from a two-time Gatorade Player of the Year in Wisconsin to a national champion with Oklahoma highlights her pedigree and potential impact in Baton Rouge.

High School Dominance: Two-Time Wisconsin Gatorade Player of the Year

Monticelli established herself as a standout talent at Cedarburg High School, earning the prestigious Wisconsin Gatorade Player of the Year award in both 2021 and 2022. During her senior season, she posted a remarkable 0.33 ERA while striking out 220 batters in 125 innings, setting a program record for single-season strikeouts as a freshman. Over her high school career, she amassed 826 strikeouts and threw three no-hitters, earning accolades as a two-time first-team all-state selection, district player of the year, and North Shore Conference Player of the Year. Ranked as the No. 32 player in her class by Extra Inning Softball, Monticelli’s dominance on the mound made her a highly sought-after recruit.

Freshman Season at Wisconsin: A Strong Foundation

As a freshman at Wisconsin in 2023, Monticelli quickly proved her worth in the Big Ten. Appearing in 21 games with 13 starts, she pitched 80 innings, finishing with a 7-4 record and a 2.71 ERA. She led the Badgers with 82 strikeouts while holding opponents to a .235 batting average, showcasing her ability to overpower hitters and maintain control in the circle. Her performance as Wisconsin’s No. 2 pitcher demonstrated her potential as a versatile arm capable of starting or relieving, setting the stage for her transfer to a national powerhouse.

Transfer to Oklahoma: Shining in the Bullpen

After her freshman year, Monticelli transferred to Oklahoma, joining the Sooners for the 2024 season under legendary coach Patty Gasso. As a sophomore, she became a key weapon out of the bullpen for the national champions, contributing to their fourth consecutive Women’s College World Series title. In 2024, Monticelli made 18 appearances with one start, posting a stellar 1.09 ERA over 19 innings. She struck out 23 batters, achieving a team-leading strikeout percentage of 28.8%, and held opponents to a .149 batting average. Her ability to deliver in high-pressure situations was evident, including her role in a combined no-hitter against East Texas A&M on March 19, 2024.

In her junior year (2025), Monticelli continued to serve as a reliable reliever, appearing in 16 games with two starts. She recorded a 3.94 ERA over 21.1 innings, going 2-0 with 20 strikeouts. Notable performances included a win against Abilene Christian on February 24, four strikeouts in an 8-0 victory over Hofstra on February 15, and a win at Arkansas on March 16. Despite limited action in the NCAA Tournament (one inning pitched), her experience in Oklahoma’s championship-caliber program added valuable depth to the Sooners’ staff.

A 70+ MPH Arm for LSU

Monticelli’s addition brings a high-velocity pitcher to LSU, with her velo clocking in at over 70 mph, a rarity in college softball that gives her a significant edge in the circle. Her “heat” and veteran presence out of the bullpen are expected to bolster a Tigers squad that finished ninth in the SEC in 2025. LSU lost ace Sydney Berzon to Oklahoma in the transfer portal, making Monticelli’s arrival a critical move to replenish the pitching staff. Her ability to throw hard and induce strikeouts, combined with her experience in high-stakes games, positions her as a potential game-changer for LSU.

Looking Ahead

Monticelli’s transfer to LSU marks a homecoming of sorts, as she joins a program looking to rebound after a challenging 2025 season. Her emotional statement on social media thanked Sooner Nation for two memorable years, noting that Norman would “always be a special place” to her. Now, as she dons the purple and gold, Monticelli brings not only her 70+ mph fastball but also a winning mentality forged in Oklahoma’s championship culture. With her proven ability to dominate out of the bullpen and her history as a two-time Gatorade Player of the Year, Monticelli is poised to make an immediate impact for the Tigers in 2026.

If you enjoyed this email please leave a comment, like and share to your social media. Subscribe to the mailing list for instant updates when stories break