
Watch Now: Jocelyn Alo’s college career will end against Mike White, the coach who took away a scholarship offer from her | OU Sports Extra
OKLAHOMA CITY — A young Jocelyn Alo was prepared to play softball at Oregon instead of Oklahoma.
The 13-year-old from Hawaii was already drawing recruiting interest when she visited a camp run by the Pac-12 school. She was extended a scholarship offer from the Oregon head coach, but wanted to make one more trip to another camp at Arizona, where no offer was provided.
“I’m ready to make my lifelong decision at 13, and I called Mike White and said that I had wanted to be a Duck, and the offer wasn’t on the table anymore,” Alo said. “I don’t know what happened. Yeah, didn’t go to Oregon.”
White, who is now the Texas Longhorns head coach, said pulling back an offer to Alo was “probably the worst day of my coaching career” during Tuesday’s Women’s College World Series news conference.
OU and Texas will meet for a national championship this week. The best-of-3 series begins at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium.
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Of course, Alo’s plans changed and she committed to Oklahoma on her 18th birthday. She has gone on to hit 120 home runs, which is an NCAA Division I record, and has become the most feared hitter in the sport.
Levi Alo explained his daughter’s recruiting process, which almost linked her to the current Texas coach.
“Oklahoma wasn’t even on our radar. We were coming from Hawaii and I was just looking at the West Coast,” Levi Alo said, who also added UCLA as an early target. “I didn’t open up the recruiting any farther than that.”
After visiting Arizona with her good friend Dejah Mulipola (who would later play for the Wildcats), Alo had a talk with her father.
“She said ‘I want to go to Oregon’, so I said ‘OK, let’s do it,’” Levi Alo said. “She called (White), and he told her I don’t have the offer for you anymore.
“Then she told me ‘I want to go to Cal because I want to beat them every year.’”
White, who moved from Oregon to Texas prior to the 2019 season, smiled when saying it was probably the worst day of his coaching career.
“At the time what happened was we were looking for a catcher, and Jocelyn wasn’t catching at that time. She had been moved from that position … she said ‘I want to commit to you.’ I said, ‘Well, we’ve kind of changed our priorities and what we want to do,’” White said.
“Bad move. Everything happens for a reason, and Jocelyn found the place that was best for her. Obviously, the rest is history, and she’s just been a tremendous ballplayer. She’s great for the sport, and I’m sure she’s going to have a great career going forward.”
Jocelyn Alo would later decommit from Cal because she wanted to win a national championship, Levi Alo said.
The recruiting door was reopened and the Alos considered Florida and Auburn.
“Oklahoma was coming off a national championship,” Levi Alo said. “I thought she could play with (former OU players Falepolima Aviu and Sydney Romero) with the (travel team) Batbusters. She could play with the best of them.
“We took a trip out to Oklahoma. We loved Coach Patty. It was a great program. The key, to me, was Patty was so honest. She didn’t have 100% (funding) for her. She didn’t have a full ride for her. But she said ‘things change, Levi. I can’t promised you anything I don’t have right now,’” Levi Alo said.
“Sure enough, before we stepped on campus, she called her and said ‘I got you. You don’t have to worry about it.’”
Alo has since become one of the most beloved players in OU history.
“She’s special,” Gasso said. “I like to use the phrase she’s made differently and quite in her own mold.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure to have her wearing the Sooner uniform.”
Photos: A look back at Jocelyn Alo’s record home run hitting career
WCWS UCLA Oklahoma Softball
Oklahoma’s Jocelyn Alo (78) hits a home run during the second inning of an NCAA softball Women’s College World Series elimination game against UCLA on Monday, June 6, 2022, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
2022 WCWS OU UCLA

Oklahoma celebrates the home run of Jocelyn Alo (78) in the second inning of the Women’s College World Series softball game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the UCLA Bruins at USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Monday, June 6, 2022. OU won 15-0.
2022 WCWS OU UCLA

Oklahoma’s Jocelyn Alo (78) celebrates a home run in the second inning of the Women’s College World Series softball game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the UCLA Bruins at USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Monday, June 6, 2022. OU won 15-0.
Oklahoma vs Texas
Oklahoma utility Jocelyn Alo (78) fouls off a pitch during a NCAA Women’s College World Series game between Oklahoma and Texas at Hall of Fame Stadium on Saturday, June 4, 2022.
Oklahoma vs Texas
Oklahoma utility Jocelyn Alo (78) celebrates with teammates after hitting a two run home run in the top of the first inning during a NCAA Women’s College World Series game between Oklahoma and Texas at Hall of Fame Stadium on Saturday, June 4, 2022.
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Oklahoma softball player Jocelyn Alo talks during a press conference, Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at the USA Hall of Fame Stadium Complex before the start of Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City.
OU SUPER REGIONAL

Oklahoma’s Jocelyn Alo (78) waves to the crowd after her last a bat during the softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and University of Central Florida (UCF)in the NCAA Norman Super Regional at Marita Hynes Field in Norman, Okla., Saturday, May, 28, 2022.
OU SUPER REGIONAL
Oklahoma celebrates the home run of Oklahoma’s Jocelyn Alo (78) in the second inning during the softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and University of Central Florida (UCF)in the NCAA Norman Super Regional at Marita Hynes Field in Norman, Okla, Friday, May, 27, 2022.
NCAA Texas A M Oklahoma Softball
Oklahoma’s Jocelyn Alo (78) hits a two-run home run against Texas A&M in the first inning of a softball game in the NCAA Norman Regional in Norman, Okla., Sunday, May 22, 2022. (Bryan Terry/The Oklahoman via AP)
NCAA Norman Regional

Oklahoma’s Jocelyn Alo (78) celebrates after hitting a two-run home run in the forst inning of a softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and Texas A&M in the NCAA Norman Regional at Marita Hynes Field in Norman, Okla., Sunday, May 22, 2022.
NCAA Norman Regional
Oklahoma’s Lynnsie Elam (22), Jocelyn Alo (78) and other teamates gesture to the crowd after a softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and Texas A&M in the NCAA Norman Regional at Marita Hynes Field in Norman, Okla., Saturday, May 21, 2022. Oklahoma won 3-2.
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Oklahoma’s Jocelyn Alo (78) celebrates at home plate with teammates following her home run in the fifth inning of the NCAA college Big 12 Championship softball game against Oklahoma State Saturday, May 14, 2022, in Oklahoma City.
Bedlam Softball
Oklahoma’s Jocelyn Alo celebrates with coach Patty Gasso after hitting a grand slam in the fifth inning of a Bedlam softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Oklahoma State University’s Cowgirls (OSU) at Marita Hynes Field in Norman, Okla., Saturday, May 7, 2022.
Bedlam Softball
Oklahoma’s Jocelyn Alo (78) hits a grand slam in the fifth inning of a Bedlam softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Oklahoma State University Cowgirls (OSU) at Marita Hynes Field in Norman, Okla., Saturday, May 7, 2022. Oklahoma won 5-3.
Bedlam Softball
Oklahoma’s Jocelyn Alo (78) celebrates after a Bedlam softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Oklahoma State University Cowgirls (OSU) at Marita Hynes Field in Norman, Okla., Friday, May 6, 2022. Oklahoma won 6-0.
Bedlam Softball
Oklahoma’s Jocelyn Alo (78) celebrates after getting walked and to give OU a run in the fourth inning of a Bedlam softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Oklahoma State University Cowgirls (OSU) at Marita Hynes Field in Norman, Okla., Thursday, May 5, 2022. Oklahoma won 7-1.
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Oklahoma’s Jocelyn Alo hits a sacrifice bunt in the Sooners’ five-inning win over Tulsa Wednesday in Norman.
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OU softball’s Jocelyn Alo hits her career record 96th home run against Hawaii on March 10, 2022. Photo courtesy of OU Athletics
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OU softball’s Jocelyn Alo hits her career record 96th home run against Hawaii on March 10, 2022. Photo courtesy of OU Athletics
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OU softball’s Jocelyn Alo hits her career record 96th home run against Hawaii on March 10, 2022. Photo courtesy of Courtney Metzger/OU Athletics
College World Series Championship Oklahoma vs Florida State
Oklahoma utility Jocelyn Alo warms up in the on deck circle during game three of the NCAA Women’s College World Series Championship Series in Oklahoma City on Thursday, June 10, 2021.
College World Series Championship Oklahoma vs Florida State
Oklahoma utility Jocelyn Alo holds up the NCAA Softball Championship Trophy after her team’s 5-1 win over Florida St. in game three of the NCAA Women’s College World Series Championship Series in Oklahoma City on Thursday, June 10, 2021.
College World Series Championship Oklahoma vs Florida State
Oklahoma utility Jocelyn Alo hugs Oklahoma head coach Patty Gasso after their 5-1 win over Florida St. in game three of the NCAA Women’s College World Series Championship Series in Oklahoma City on Thursday, June 10, 2021. Oklahoma won the series 2-1.
Jocelyn Alo rounds the bases after hitting a home run

Oklahoma’s Jocelyn Alo recently welcomed new Sooners quarterback Dillon Gabriel to Norman with a homemade dinner. Both represent their home state of Hawaii.
College World Series Championship Oklahoma vs Florida State
Oklahoma utility Jocelyn Alo celebrates while rounding the bases after hitting a home run in the first inning during game three of the NCAA Women’s College World Series Championship Series in Oklahoma City on Thursday, June 10, 2021.
College World Series Championship Oklahoma vs Florida State
Oklahoma utility Jocelyn Alo celebrates with utility Nicole Mendes and catcher Kinzie Hansen after hitting a home run in the first inning during game three of the NCAA Women’s College World Series Championship Series in Oklahoma City on Thursday, June 10, 2021.
College World Series Championship Oklahoma vs Florida State
Oklahoma utility Jocelyn Alo high fives celebrates after hitting a home run during game two of the NCAA Women’s College World Series Championship Series in Oklahoma City on Wednesday, June 9, 2021.
College World Series Championship Oklahoma vs Florida State
Oklahoma utility Jocelyn Alo high fives Oklahoma head coach Patty Gasso after hitting a home run during game two of the NCAA Women’s College World Series Championship Series in Oklahoma City on Wednesday, June 9, 2021.
College World Series Championship Oklahoma vs Florida State
Florida St. infielder Josie Muffley reacts while Oklahoma utility Jocelyn Alo second base after hitting a home run during game two of the NCAA Women’s College World Series Championship Series in Oklahoma City on Wednesday, June 9, 2021.
College World Series Championship Oklahoma vs Florida State
Oklahoma utility Jocelyn Alo slides into home plate during game two of the NCAA Women’s College World Series Championship Series in Oklahoma City on Wednesday, June 9, 2021.
College World Series Championship Oklahoma vs Florida State
Oklahoma’s Jocelyn Alo celebrates after hitting the go-ahead home run during Game 2 of the NCAA Women’s College World Series Championship Series in Oklahoma City on Wednesday.
WCWS James Madison Oklahoma Softball
Oklahoma’s Jocelyn Alo (78) is greeted by teammates after hitting a home run in the sixth inning of an NCAA Women’s College World Series softball game against James Madison, Monday, June 7, 2021, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
WCWS Oklahoma vs James Madison

Oklahoma’s Jocelyn Alo (78) runs the bases after hitting a home run in the sixth inning of a Women’s College World Series softball game between the University of Oklahoma (OU) and James Madison University at USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Monday, June 7, 2021. Oklahoma won 7-1.
WCWS Oklahoma vs James Madison

Oklahoma’s Jocelyn Alo (78) hits a home run in the sixth inning of a Women’s College World Series softball game between the University of Oklahoma (OU) and James Madison University at USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Monday, June 7, 2021. Oklahoma won 7-1.
WCWS Oklahoma vs James Madison

Oklahoma’s Jocelyn Alo (78) runs the bases after hitting a home run in the sixth inning of a Women’s College World Series softball game between the University of Oklahoma (OU) and James Madison University at USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Monday, June 7, 2021. Oklahoma won 7-1.
WCWS Georgia Oklahoma Softball
Oklahoma’s Jocelyn Alo (78) slaps hands with head coach Patty Gasso on the way to home plate after hitting a home run during an NCAA Women’s College World Series softball game against Georgia, Saturday, June 5, 2021, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
WCWS Georgia Oklahoma Softball
Oklahoma’s Jocelyn Alo (78) hits a home run against Georgia during an NCAA Women’s College World Series softball game against Georgia, Saturday, June 5, 2021, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
WCWS Oklahoma James Madison Softball
Oklahoma’s Rylie Boone, right, celebrates with teammate Jocelyn Alo (78) after scoring on a hit by Tiara Jennings in the seventh inning of an NCAA Women’s College World Series softball game Sunday, June 6, 2021, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
OU Softball Super Regional

Oklahoma’s Jocelyn Alo (78) gestures as she runs past Washington’s Sis Bates (22) after hitting a home run in the fourth inning of the second game in an NCAA Super Regional college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Washington Huskies at Marita Hynes Field in Norman, Okla., Saturday, May 29, 2021. Oklahoma won 9-1 to advance to the Women’s College World Series.
OU Softball Super Regional

Oklahoma’s Giselle Juarez (45), Jocelyn Alo (78), Lynnsie Elam (22) and Nicole Mendes (11) carry a pad from the outfield wall after winning the second game of an NCAA Super Regional college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Washington Huskies at Marita Hynes Field in Norman, Okla., Saturday, May 29, 2021. Oklahoma won 9-1 to advance to the Women’s College World Series.
OU Softball Super Regional

Oklahoma’s Jocelyn Alo (78) celebrates beside Washington’s Sis Bates (22) after hitting a home run in the third inning of an NCAA Super Regional college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Washington Huskies at Marita Hynes Field in Norman, Okla., Friday, May 28, 2021. Oklahoma won 4-2.
OU Softball Super Regional

Oklahoma’s Jocelyn Alo (78) steps on home plate after hitting a home run in the third inning of an NCAA Super Regional college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Washington Huskies at Marita Hynes Field in Norman, Okla., Friday, May 28, 2021. Oklahoma won 4-2.
OU Softball Super Regional

Oklahoma’s Jocelyn Alo (78) celebrates after hitting a home run in the third inning of an NCAA Super Regional college softball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Washington Huskies at Marita Hynes Field in Norman, Okla., Friday, May 28, 2021. Oklahoma won 4-2.
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Alo
WCWS OU ALABAMA GAME 2

The Sooners wait at home plate for OU’s Jocelyn Alo (not pictured) after Alo hit a two-run home run in the fifth inning during the if-necessary game against Alabama at the Women’s College World Series on Sunday in Oklahoma City Sarah Phipps/The Oklahoman
WCWS OU ALABAMA

Oklahoma’s Jocelyn Alo drives in a run against Alabama in the 2019 Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City.
OU SUPER REGIONAL

Oklahoma right fielder Jocelyn Alo (right) and second baseman Caleigh Clifton celebrate after the final out Friday in the Sooners’ 3-0 NCAA Super Regional victory over Northwestern in Norman. Bryan Terry/The Oklahoman
OU SUPER REGIONAL

Jocelyn Alo hits an RBI double in the first inning Friday against Northwestern. OU coach Patty Gasso called the at-bat “phenomenal.” Bryan Terry/The Oklahoman
BIG 12 SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
Oklahoma’s Grace Green (center), screams as she high-fives Jocelyn Alo (left) next to Nicole Mendes after Green and Alo scored in the third inning Friday against Texas Tech in the Big 12 softball tournament. OU is the No. 1 overall seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Nate Billings/The Oklahoman
WCWS OU FLORIDA

Oklahoma’s Jocelyn Alo (right) celebrates on her way home after hitting a home run in the Sooners’ 2-0 win against Florida at USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City on Saturday. Bryan Terry/The Oklahoman
WCWS OU ARIZONA STATE

Oklahoma’s Jocelyn Alo (78) celebrates as she runs home after hitting a home run in the third inning of the Women’s College World Series game between the University of Oklahoma (OU) and Arizona State at USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Saturday, June 2, 2018. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman
NCAA Norman Super Regioinal

Oklahoma’s Jocelyn Alo, who leads the nation in home runs with 28, was named the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Freshman of the Year on Tuesday. Steve Sisney/The Oklahoman
NCAA Norman Super Regioinal

Jocelyn Alo (left) is batting a Big 12-best .516 this season and teammate Caleigh Clifton is in the top 10 at .416. Steve Sisney/The Oklahoman file
OU SOFTBALL

Oklahoma freshman slugger Jocelyn Alo hits her 27th home run of the season in the third inning Friday against Arkansas in Norman. Sarah Phipps/The Oklahoman
OU SOFTBALL

Oklahoma coach Patty Gasso congratulates freshman Jocelyn Alo as she rounds third base on her third-inning home run against Arkansas on Friday. Sarah Phipps/The Oklahoman
BEDLAM SOFTBALL

OU’s Jocelyn Alo drives in a run against Oklahoma State on May 5. Alo is a finalist for the national freshman of the year. Nate Billings/The Oklahoman file
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Oklahoma freshman Jocelyn Alo (center) celebrates with teammates after hitting a solo home run in the third inning Tuesday night against Tulsa at Collins Family Softball Complex. IAN MAULE/Tulsa World
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Oklahoma freshman Jocelyn Alo celebrates as she rounds the bases after hitting a home run April 17 against Tulsa at TU’s Collins Family Softball Complex. IAN MAULE/Tulsa World file
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Oklahoma utility player Jocelyn Alo (78) loses her hat while tracking down a fly ball during her team’s game against Tulsa at Collins Family Softball Complex in Tulsa on Tuesday, April 17, 2018. IAN MAULE/Tulsa World
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Oklahoma utility player Jocelyn Alo (78) catches a fly ball during her team’s game against Tulsa at Collins Family Softball Complex in Tulsa on Tuesday, April 17, 2018. IAN MAULE/Tulsa World
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Oklahoma utility player Jocelyn Alo (78) loses her hat while tracking down a fly ball during her team’s game against Tulsa at Collins Family Softball Complex in Tulsa on Tuesday, April 17, 2018. IAN MAULE/Tulsa World
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