Kenny Gajewski wasted little time reloading Oklahoma State softball. The Cowgirls landed Houston's Madison Hartley and Utah's Kennedy Proctor, giving the program two proven Big 12 performers and reinforcing that OSU isn't rebuilding after losing Ruby Meylan—it's reloading.
Losing Big 12 Pitcher of the Year Ruby Meylan and several veteran contributors could have signaled the beginning of a rebuilding year for Oklahoma State softball.
Instead, Kenny Gajewski is making sure the Cowgirls remain in the hunt for another conference title.
Oklahoma State landed two major transfer portal additions from within the Big 12 this week, bringing in Houston utility player Madison Hartley and former Utah catcher Kennedy Proctor.
Hartley arrives in Stillwater after earning Second Team All-Big 12 honors and being ranked by Softball America as the No. 6 utility player in the country. The sophomore put together a monster season at Houston, blasting 20 home runs and driving in 47 runs while also contributing in the circle.
Her versatility makes her one of the most intriguing additions in the conference. Whether it's providing power at the plate or giving the Cowgirls another pitching option, Hartley has already proven she can impact games in multiple ways.
Oklahoma State also added one of the more experienced catchers available in the portal with Proctor transferring from Utah.
Over her career with the Utes, Proctor hit .329 with 20 home runs and scored 72 runs. Her arrival gives the Cowgirls an experienced presence behind the plate, one of the most important positions on the field.
What makes both additions even more valuable is that neither player will need time to adjust to a new conference.
Hartley and Proctor have already proven they can succeed against Big 12 competition. In the transfer portal era, that type of experience is invaluable because there are fewer unknowns. Gajewski knows exactly what he's getting, and so do Oklahoma State fans.
The moves also send a clear message about where Oklahoma State softball stands entering 2027.
This isn't a program looking to rebuild.
It's one looking to reload.
Questions naturally arose after the departure of Meylan, who became the answer to Oklahoma State's biggest concern in 2026 and earned conference Pitcher of the Year honors. Replacing that production won't be easy, but adding two proven Big 12 players helps ease some of those concerns.
The Cowgirls have consistently been among the conference's elite under Gajewski, and these additions suggest that standard isn't changing anytime soon.
Losing stars is part of college softball.
Replacing them with stars is what keeps programs winning.
And Oklahoma State appears determined to do just that.
Watch out for another NCAA Tournament berth for the Cowgirls in 2027.
