Kelly Maxwell Playing Two More Seasons at Oklahoma State

STILLWATER — Kelly Maxwell is entering her redshirt senior season in 2023, but she is already committed to returning for a sixth year with the program in 2024.

Maxwell, the Oklahoma State softball team’s ace pitcher, is able to return for the extra season because of COVID. She redshirted in 2019 and her shortened 2020 season didn’t count toward her eligibility because of the pandemic. So, 2021 was technically her freshman season. Entering 2023, Maxwell already sits in the top 10 in program history in strikeouts (517) and shutouts (24).

“I have the whole rest of my life to work,” said Maxwell at OSU’s media day Friday. “Might as well enjoy it because I’m probably gonna regret it later [if she didn’t come back]. I love it here. I couldn’t imagine myself moving on.”

Maxwell said some of the hesitation she dealt with when making the decision was pushing off medical school another year. She said her decision became clear on the Cowgirls’ team trip to Broken Bow.

Her 313 strikeouts in 2022 ranked as the third-most in a season in program history — the most in a season since 2003. She also shut out 12 teams in 2022, the seventh-most an OSU pitcher has shutout in a season — the most in a season since 1993. If she throws 313 strikeouts again this season and next season, she’d finish second on OSU’s career list.

A lefty, Maxwell has thrown five no-hitters in her career and a five-inning perfect game in her career. She has also pitched in the Women’s College World Series in back-to-back seasons, invaluable experience.

The Cowgirls start their season Feb. 10 at a tournament in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with games against Oregon, North Carolina, Maryland and Ole Miss.