OU Softball Signs First-Ever International Player

The Oklahoma Sooners have signed Australia's Georgia Casey to a National letter of Intent.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:20 pm

By: News On 6

OU Softball Signs First-Ever International Player

Originally Published: Apr 14, 2011 12:3 PM CDT

Oklahoma Sports Staff

NORMAN, Okla. – University of Oklahoma softball team signed Australia’s Georgia Casey to a National Letter of Intent, making her the first international player to play for the Sooners in program history.

OU head coach Patty Gasso announced the signing Thursday and said she will begin competing with the Sooners during the 2011-12 academic year.

“We’re excited to welcome our first international player,” Gasso said. “Watching Georgia on video inspired us to see her in person. She’s a tremendous competitor, and she’ll add a boost to our pitching staff. She can also swing the bat and is a good all-around athlete.”

Casey, a native of Sydney, played at Mount St. Benedict College in Pennant Hills and is a member of the Australian national team program. She was named best pitcher at the 2011 U19 Australian national championship and was named New South Wales’ Athlete of the Year in 2010.

“Oklahoma felt like the right place for me,” Casey said. “It’s a great opportunity to go someplace where I can study and play softball – an opportunity I don’t have in Australia.”

Casey has earned numerous most valuable player honors throughout her career, including one at the 2010 International Southern Cross Challenge. She’s also been named best pitcher and MVP of the NSW state league and was the 2010 Western Sydney Academy of Sport Team Athlete of the Year. Casey was named the 2011 winner of the Vince Villa award, presented annually to the most successful student in their respective sport at a NSW Catholic school.

“Georgia is currently in the Australian national team pool and the Australian national coaches expect her to be a big part of their national team future. Being so young and getting the opportunity to play with some of the elite Australian athletes has really put her progressively ahead of most athletes her age,” Gasso added.

Academically, Casey earned first and second semester achievement awards in 2010 and earned an award for her final high school certificate score. She’s also been honored with a principal’s award for contribution to the school community.

“She had several options, so we’re very pleased she chose Oklahoma. Her future here is going to be outstanding. I know the Sooner fans will embrace Georgia and help her find a new home away from home.”

The Sooners continue this season’s action Saturday April 16 on the road against the Missouri Tigers. First pitch is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.