Oklahoma Sooners fans, get ready to celebrate—freshman sensation Kendall Wells is making history, and she's just getting started. After a phenomenal season that saw her shatter both Oklahoma and SEC home run records, Wells has been named a top 10 finalist for USA Softball's National Player of the Year award. The announcement came Wednesday, just as the Sooners gear up for the Norman Regional this weekend.
Wells joins an elite group of finalists, including Alabama's Jocelyn Briski, Texas Tech's NiJaree Canady, Nebraska's Jordy Frahm, UCLA's Megan Grant, Belmont's Maya Johnson, Texas' Katie Stewart, Florida State's Isa Torres, Texas Tech's Kaitlyn Terry, and UCLA's Jordan Woolery. Notably, teammates Ella Parker, Gabbie Garcia, and Kai Minor were among the top 25 finalists but didn't make the cut to the top 10.
Wells has been nothing short of dominant this season, leading the Sooners with 36 home runs and 77 RBIs, while also drawing 38 walks. Her power at the plate has made her the frontrunner for National Freshman of the Year honors, and with Texas Tech and UCLA stars potentially splitting votes, she has a real shot at claiming the top player award.
Whether or not she takes home the trophy, Wells has already proven she's the real deal. In her first season in Norman, she's lived up to every bit of the hype, delivering a campaign that fans will remember for years to come. As the Sooners chase postseason glory, all eyes will be on this rising star.
