Storako Taken No. 1, Three Sooners Selected in WPF Draft

NORMAN — Oklahoma softball redshirt seniors Alex Storako, Haley Lee and Grace Lyons were selected in Monday's 2023 Women's Professional Fastpitch Draft in Oklahoma City. 

Storako was chosen No. 1 overall to the Oklahoma City Spark and Lee joined Storako in being drafted by the Spark with the first pick in the fourth round. Lyons was chosen by fellow first-year organization Texas Smoke with the second pick of the sixth round.

Storako and Lee have the opportunity to join 2022 OU alumni Jocelyn Alo and Lynnsie Elam and 2013 alum Keilani Ricketts on the OKC squad in its initial season as an organization, set to begin play in June 2023. Lyons has the option to join the Smoke, also in its inaugural season. 

Storako becomes the fourth Sooner in program history to be selected as the No. 1 overall pick in a women's fastpitch league, joining Lauren Chamberlain (2015, USSSA Pride, National Pro Fastpitch), Paige Lowry (2018, Chicago Bandits, National Pro Fastpitch) and Jocelyn Alo (2022, Women's Professional Fastpitch & Athletes Unlimited). 

The three selections bring OU Softball's total number of pro draftees to 42 in program history. 

Due to NCAA regulations, athletes selected in Monday's draft are not permitted to sign with respective teams until the conclusion of the 2023 collegiate season when their eligibilities have been exhausted. Players have the option to play in one of two professional softball leagues: WPF or Athletes Unlimited, whose draft is scheduled for May 8. 

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