Former Oklahoma softball player Sophia Bordi has joined Texas softball and will soon start her first semester as a Longhorn student-athlete, but don’t look for the pitcher on the diamond this spring because of the NCAA’s transfer rules.
Based on the NCAA’s myriad of transfer regulations for various sports, most Division I softball players transferring in the middle of the academic year are ineligible for immediate competition in the spring. They can join their new team for practices and training but must wait for the following academic year’s fall season to play.
Article continues below this ad
However, Texas coach Mike White said Tuesday that Bordi still has a chance at eligibility this semester, depending on whether she qualifies for an NCAA’s transfer exception. Bordi was originally ranked as the No. 1 pitcher in the country in the 2026 recruiting class after earning two Gatorade Player of the Year honors in her native New Jersey, but she reclassified to 2025 and enrolled early at Oklahoma. She did not play last season while drawing a redshirt.
Texas freshman pitcher Teagan Kavan, left, celebrates with Texas catcher Reese Atwood during a 9-2 win over Stanford Feb. 16, 2024, in Clearwater, Fla.
Provided by Texas Athletics Department
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) and infielder Katie Stewart (20) celebrate an out during the game against Iowa State at Red and Charline McCombs Field on Friday, April 26, 2024 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) runs to catcher Reese Atwood (14) after the final strikeout in the 6-5 win over Texas A&M in the game three NCAA Super Regional at Red & Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 26, 2024 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Mac Morgan (55) talks to pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) as she takes the mound during the game three NCAA Super Regional against Texas A&M at Red & Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 26, 2024 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) celebrates a final strikeout during the game three NCAA Super Regional against Texas A&M at Red & Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 26, 2024 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) lines up a for pitch during the game three NCAA Super Regional against Texas A&M at Red & Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 26, 2024 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman
Teagan Kavan (17) of Texas pitches during a Women’s College World Series semifinal softball game between the Stanford Cardinal and the Texas Longhorns at Devon Park in Oklahoma City, Monday, June 3, 2024. Texas won 1-0.
Bryan Terry/The Oklahoman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) throws a pitch during the game against Texas Tech on day one of the Bevo Classic at Red and Charline McCombs field on Friday, February. 14, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns outfielder Ashton Maloney (7) and pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) celebrate a catch by Maloney for a third out during the game against Texas Tech on day one of the Bevo Classic at Red and Charline McCombs field on Friday, February. 14, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) talks to catcher Reese Atwood (14) during the game against Texas Tech on day one of the Bevo Classic at Red and Charline McCombs field on Friday, February. 14, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) throws a pitch during the game against Texas Tech on day one of the Bevo Classic at Red and Charline McCombs field on Friday, February. 14, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman
Tennessee outfielder Saviya Morgan (20) leaves second base as Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) throws a pitch during the game at Red & Charline McCombs Field on Friday, April 11, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) huddles with her team during the game against Tennessee at Red & Charline McCombs Field on Friday, April 11, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) throws a pitch during the game against Tennessee at Red & Charline McCombs Field on Friday, April 11, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) throws a pitch during the game against Tennessee at Red & Charline McCombs Field on Friday, April 11, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman
Texas starting pitcher/relief pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) and Texas outfielder Ashton Maloney (7) react to Texas infielder Joley Mitchell (9) scoring a home run during the game against LSU at Red & Charline McCombs Field on Thursday, April 17, 2025 in Austin.
Mikala Compton/American-Statesman
Texas starting pitcher/relief pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) pitches during the game against LSU at Red & Charline McCombs Field on Thursday, April 17, 2025 in Austin.
Mikala Compton/American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) talks to catcher Reese Atwood (14) during the game against Kentucky at Red & Charline McCombs Field on Thursday, May 1, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) lines up for a pitch during the game against Kentucky at Red & Charline McCombs Field on Thursday, May 1, 2025 in Austin.
Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns starting pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) and catcher Reese Atwood (14) talk during a review in the fourth inning as the Longhorns take on the Michigan Wolverines in the third game of the NCAA Tournament regional in Austin, May 17, 2025.
Sara Diggins/American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns starting pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) pitches in the first inning as the Longhorns take on the Michigan Wolverines in the third game of the NCAA Tournament regional in Austin, May 17, 2025.
Sara Diggins/American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns starting pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) pitches in the fourth inning as the Longhorns take on the Michigan Wolverines in the third game of the NCAA Tournament regional in Austin, May 17, 2025.
Sara Diggins/American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns starting pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) pitches in the first inning as the Longhorns take on the Michigan Wolverines in the third game of the NCAA Tournament regional in Austin, May 17, 2025.
Sara Diggins/American-Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) and catcher Reese Atwood (14) celebrate the final out of the NCAA D1 Softball Tournament Regional against UCF at Red and Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 18, 2025 in Austin, Texas.
Aaron E. Martinez / American Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) throws a pitch during the NCAA D1 Softball Tournament Regional against UCF at Red and Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 18, 2025 in Austin, Texas.
Aaron E. Martinez / American Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) and infielder Mia Scott (10) celebrate winning the NCAA D1 Softball Tournament Regional against UCF at Red and Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 18, 2025 in Austin, Texas.
Aaron E. Martinez/American Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) catches the ball for the final out of the NCAA D1 Softball Tournament Regional against UCF at Red and Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 18, 2025 in Austin, Texas.
Aaron E. Martinez / American Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) throws a pitch during the NCAA D1 Softball Tournament Regional against UCF at Red and Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 18, 2025 in Austin, Texas.
Aaron E. Martinez / American Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) bumps gloves with infielder Katie Stewart (20) after a third out during the NCAA D1 Softball Tournament Super Regional against Clemson at Red and Charline McCombs Field on Thursday, May 22, 2025 in Austin, Texas.
Aaron E. Martinez / American Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) steps up for a pitch during the NCAA D1 Softball Tournament Super Regional against Clemson at Red and Charline McCombs Field on Thursday, May 22, 2025 in Austin, Texas.
Aaron E. Martinez / American Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) and catcher Reese Atwood (14) celebrate a strikeout during the NCAA D1 Softball Tournament Super Regional against Clemson at Red and Charline McCombs Field on Friday, May 23, 2025 in Austin, Texas.
Aaron E. Martinez / American Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Citlaly Gutierrez (77) hands the ball off to pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) during the NCAA D1 Softball Tournament Super Regional against Clemson at Red and Charline McCombs Field on Friday, May 23, 2025 in Austin, Texas.
Aaron E. Martinez / American Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) steps up to pitch during the NCAA D1 Softball Tournament Super Regional against Clemson at Red and Charline McCombs Field on Friday, May 23, 2025 in Austin, Texas.
Aaron E. Martinez / American Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) throws a pitch during the NCAA D1 Softball Tournament Super Regional against Clemson at Red and Charline McCombs Field on Friday, May 23, 2025 in Austin, Texas.
Aaron E. Martinez/American Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) celebrates after the 6-5 win over Clemson in game 3 of the NCAA D1 Softball Tournament Super Regional at Red and Charline McCombs Field on Saturday, May 24, 2025 in Austin, Texas.
Aaron E. Martinez / American Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) switches with pitcher Mac Morgan (55) during the NCAA D1 Softball Tournament Super Regional against Clemson at Red and Charline McCombs Field on Saturday, May 24, 2025 in Austin, Texas.
Aaron E. Martinez / American Statesman
May 31, 2025; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) hugs utility Katie Stewart (20) after the Longhorns defeated the Oklahoma Sooners 4-2 during the NCAA Softball Women’s College World Series at Devon Park.
Brett Rojo/Imagn Images
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) and University of Texas at Austin athletic director Chris Del Conte celebrate the 2-1 win over Texas Tech in game one of the NCAA Women’s College World Series at Devon Park on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Aaron E. Martinez / American Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) and catcher Reese Atwood (14) celebrate after the 2-1 win over Texas Tech in game one of the NCAA Women’s College World Series at Devon Park on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Aaron E. Martinez / American Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) celebrates after the 2-1 win over Texas Tech in game one of the NCAA Women’s College World Series at Devon Park on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Aaron E. Martinez / American Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) steps up to pitch during game one of the NCAA Women’s College World Series against Texas Tech at Devon Park on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Aaron E. Martinez / American Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) leaves the field after the 2-1 win over Texas Tech in game one of the NCAA Women’s College World Series at Devon Park on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Aaron E. Martinez / American Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) ttakes the field during game one of the NCAA Women’s College World Series against Texas Tech at Devon Park on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Aaron E. Martinez / American Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) throws a pitch during game two of the NCAA Women’s College World Series against Texas Tech at Devon Park on Thursday, June 5, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Aaron E. Martinez / American Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) and catcher Reese Atwood (14) celebrate a strikeout during game three of the NCAA Women’s College World Series against Texas Tech at Devon Park on Friday, June 6, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Aaron E. Martinez / American Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) talks to infielder Mia Scott (10) during game three of the NCAA Women’s College World Series against Texas Tech at Devon Park on Friday, June 6, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Aaron E. Martinez / American Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) and catcher Reese Atwood (14) take the field for game three of the NCAA Women’s College World Series against Texas Tech at Devon Park on Friday, June 6, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Aaron E. Martinez / American Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) talks to infielder Joley Mitchell (9) during game three of the NCAA Women’s College World Series against Texas Tech at Devon Park on Friday, June 6, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Aaron E. Martinez / American Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) throws a pitch during game three of the NCAA Women’s College World Series against Texas Tech at Devon Park on Friday, June 6, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Aaron E. Martinez / American Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) steps up to pitch during game three of the NCAA Women’s College World Series against Texas Tech at Devon Park on Friday, June 6, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Aaron E. Martinez / American Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) cel;ebrates the 10-4 win over Texas Tech in game three of the NCAA Women’s College World Series at Devon Park on Friday, June 6, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Aaron E. Martinez / American Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) is presented the most outstanding player award after the 10-4 win over Texas Tech in game three of the NCAA Women’s College World Series at Devon Park on Friday, June 6, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Aaron E. Martinez / American Statesman
Texas Longhorns infielder Joley Mitchel (9), infielder Leighann Goode (43) and catcher Reese Atwood (14) hug pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) after the last out of game three of the NCAA Women’s College World Series against Texas Tech at Devon Park on Friday, June 6, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Aaron E. Martinez / American Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) iand catcher Reese Atwood (14) talk after the 10-4 win over Texas Tech in game three of the NCAA Women’s College World Series at Devon Park on Friday, June 6, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Aaron E. Martinez / American Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) kisses the NCAA Softball National Championship trophy after the 10-4 win over Texas Tech in game three of the NCAA Women’s College World Series at Devon Park on Friday, June 6, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Aaron E. Martinez / American Statesman
Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) and University of Texas at Austin athletic director Chris Del Conte celebrate after the 10-4 win over Texas Tech in game three of the NCAA Women’s College World Series at Devon Park on Friday, June 6, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Aaron E. Martinez / American Statesman
“She’s kind of like an unknown at this point, but we plan on having her for sure next year in the program,” White said. “This year, she’ll more than likely redshirt (but) that’s to be seen yet. We’ll see what we’re going to do there. But if she joins the team, great. If she’s not able to play, that’s fine, too.”
AUSTIN, TX – APRIL 07: Texas head coach Mike White holds up the Hook ‘Em Horns sign after winning the Big 12 college softball game between Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners on April 7, 2024, at Red & Charline McCombs Field in Austin, TX. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Icon Sportswire/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Texas, the reigning national champion, boasts a deep pitching staff that includes ace Teagan Kavan, veteran Citlaly Gutierrez, promising youngster Cambria Salmon and touted freshman Hannah Wells. The Longhorns open the 2026 season Feb. 6 against Nebraska at the UTSA Invitational in San Antonio.
Article continues below this ad
Bordi left the Sooner program before the end of last season because of “personal” issues, according to Oklahoma coach Patty Gasso.
“She went back home, and that’s something I don’t have the privilege to talk about,” Gasso told reporters last spring. “It’s more of a personal situation. So, she did not finish the season out with us.”
Coach Patty Gasso, left, of the Oklahoma Sooners and coach Mike White of the Texas Longhorns meet with home plate umpire Traci Laycock before the second game of the Women’s College World Series championship series in 2024 at Devon Park in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Brian Bahr/Getty Images
In December, Bordi announced her decision to enroll atTexas for the spring. Bordi wrote on X: “I want to say thank you to the people close to me in Oklahoma, and the Sooner fans who have continued to support me and show me love throughout my journey thus far. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given and the time I’ve spent at OU.”
Article continues below this ad
But the post was quickly deleted after a barrage of comments, with much of it coming from angry Sooner fans. Several days later, Bordi again posted on social media to address what she called “racist remarks” following her transfer.
MORE: When and where does Texas softball play Texas A&M, Oklahoma in 2026?
MORE: Longhorns land third recruit for 2027 with Johnson’s Emree Massaad
“I don’t need to make a post about this, and I shouldn’t have to feel as if I do,” Bordi wrote. “I’ve received all types of messages from racist remarks to wishing ill on my life and wellbeing. I want to be very clear, I don’t owe anyone an explanation to any choice I make with my life. You don’t know me or what I have gone through. Nobody knows my story. Whoever thinks they do is wrong. My decision to enter the transfer portal has little to do with that and was mainly dictated by my experiences at my previous school. It’s not just about softball. There’s an unfortunate reason I decided it was time for me to move on and that’s not something anyone knows, or needs to know.”
Article continues below this ad
Whenever Bordi does step into the circle for Texas, she’ll bring plenty of power. The right-hander emerged as one of the top strikeout artists of her class with Haddon Heights High School (N.J.) in suburban Philadelphia and her travel squads. As a sophomore in 2023, Bordi hurled four perfect games in the postseason and only allowed three runs while punching out 195 batters across 94 career postseason innings. In the 2023 New Jersey state championship, she tossed a 16-strikeout perfect game. In the 2022 state championship, she threw a 20-strikeout no-hitter.
Bordi also has deep Longhorn roots. Her mother, Danielle Strader-Bordi, was a 13-time NCAA All-American swimmer for Texas and won the 1997 Big 12 Championship in the 100 -yard butterfly as a senior.