Oklahoma State softball has landed its first commitment of the 2028 class as top-100 infielder Peyton Cleary commits to the Cowgirls. The Missouri standout becomes another piece of Kenny Gajewski’s push to return OSU to the Women’s College World Series.
Oklahoma State softball has its first commitment of the 2028 recruiting class.
Peyton Cleary, a top-100 infielder from Liberty North High School in Missouri, announced her commitment to Kenny Gajewski and the Cowgirls on Sunday night.
Cleary, who is from the Kansas City area, visited Oklahoma State in late August before ultimately choosing the Cowgirls.
The commitment gives Gajewski an early building block for a 2028 class that is just beginning to take shape following the opening of the recruiting contact period.
Cleary primarily plays shortstop for Liberty North and has established herself as one of the top players in Missouri.
She was named a Class 5 all-state infielder by the Missouri High School Fastpitch Coaches Association following the 2025 season. Cleary was one of two Liberty North players to receive all-state recognition, joining catcher Addie Schneider.
Cleary has also developed a reputation as a strong defensive player. She brings a reliable glove and strong arm to the middle of the infield, while also providing production offensively with an ability to consistently reach base and create opportunities once aboard.
Cleary has additional experience on the travel-ball circuit with Select Fastpitch. Perfect Game lists her as a shortstop/outfielder, providing some positional versatility in addition to her experience in the middle infield.
Her commitment gives Oklahoma State its first pledge in a 2028 class that will eventually arrive in Stillwater with the Cowgirls looking to maintain their place among the nation's top softball programs.
Gajewski has been aggressive in reshaping both the present and future of the program after Oklahoma State's 2026 season ended in the NCAA Super Regional round.
The Cowgirls added five players through the transfer portal this offseason: Mississippi State pitcher Delainey Everett, Utah catcher Kennedy Proctor, Houston utility player Maddie Hartley, Ole Miss pitcher/utility player Payton Kennedy and Wisconsin pitcher/utility player Kendra Lewis.
The group gives Oklahoma State proven production at several positions. Everett went 17-4 with a 2.55 ERA during her three seasons at Mississippi State, while Lewis earned All-America honors at Wisconsin. Hartley was a second-team All-Big 12 selection in 2026 after hitting 20 home runs for Houston.
The additions earned national recognition, with Softball America ranking Oklahoma State's transfer class No. 3 in the country and D1Softball placing it No. 9.
It's part of an effort to push Oklahoma State back toward the Women's College World Series after a program-record run of five consecutive appearances ended in 2025.
The Cowgirls currently have six commitments in their 2027 class, with that group eligible to sign in November. Now the following class has officially started as well.
Cleary becomes the first player to commit to Oklahoma State for 2028, giving Gajewski and the Cowgirls a top-100 middle infielder as the foundation of their newest recruiting class.
