When it became known that Shannon Saile would transfer from Florida International following her sophomore season of 2018, it put one of the nation’s top mid-major pitchers on the market.
Following visits to four SEC schools and the University of Oklahoma, Saile last week announced her commitment to OU for the final two seasons of her career. She becomes the latest top-level pitcher to suit up for the Sooners. Earlier this week, she sat down with Justin’s World of Softball to share about the decision-making process and her future as a Sooner.
Justin’s World of Softball: What sold you on OU? What put it above the other schools that you visited?
Shannon Saile: I can’t really explain it; it was more of a feeling I had when I visited and talked more with [Oklahoma head coach Patty] Gasso. All the schools I visited, all the coaches who spoke to me were all so kind and really interested, but I had to go with my heart on this one.
JWOS: How many schools did you visit in all in the search process?
Saile: I used up all of my 5 visits.
JWOS: Was there anything particular that you were looking for as you looked for a new home? Something specific that you knew would help in your decision-making?
Saile: The ability to go to the WCWS and help me transform into a better pitcher (I still don’t think I’m at my full capabilities) and a person. I want to be independent and stable when I leave college. All the schools I was looking at had that capability but I went with where I felt most comfortable.
JWOS: What went through your mind when you heard the news [of pitching coach Melyssa Lombardi leaving Oklahoma to become head coach at Oregon]?
Saile: I have full and complete faith that Coach Gasso will bring in an amazing pitching coach. I trust her; she’s not the best for nothing.
JWOS: So no second thoughts about choosing OU with [Lombardi] now leaving?
Saile: None at all. I trust Coach Gasso.
JWOS: What’s your #1 goal in your two years at OU?
Saile: My #1 goal is to win a national championship. I want to grow as a person and hopefully stand tall on the platform that this team provides me and be a role model for young girls. I feel my story is a good one to tell to young girls who are scared of the recruiting process.
JWOS: Do you have any qualms about going from the C-USA to the Big 12 on an everyday basis, or are you just ready to take it head on?
Saile: Ready to take it on, I fear no challenge. I know it’s going to be way different, but I will rise to the occasion.
JWOS: What does it mean to you to now be a part of such a storied legacy of pitchers and to get to add to that legacy yourself?
Saile: It means the world to me and an actual dream come true. I’m just happy that Gasso saw something in me and is taking a chance on me to hopefully build a legacy, too.
Photo via Roy Viera/FIU Athletic Media Relations
