OKLAHOMA CITY (June 18, 2022) – Pitcher Karsyn Iltis and outfielder Shelby McHughes, part of a North Texas team that advanced to a NCAA Division I regional final in 2022, have transferred to Division II Oklahoma Christian to continue their softball careers, OC coach Shalee Rodriguez said Saturday.

Iltis, a right-hander from Paris, Texas, made only two appearances for the Mean Green this season. She had an honor-filled career at North Lamar High School, where she was a four-year starter and made Class 4A All-State teams selected by the Texas Girls Coaches Association and Texas Sports Writers Association.

As a senior, she was named as the All-Red River Valley offensive player of the year by the Paris News after hitting .519 with nine home runs and 54 RBIs, while posting an on-base percentage of .603 for North Lamar.

She has four seasons of eligibility remaining.

McHughes, from Goldsby, appeared in 14 games as a freshman this season for North Texas, recording hits in both of her at-bats, driving in a run, scoring five runs and stealing two bases. She starred in high school at Community Christian of Norman, the same program that produced two former OC players, Niki Davidson and Lacey Davidson.

"We are very excited to add Karsyn and Shelby to our program," Rodriguez said. "Karsyn is a great addition to our pitching staff. She will be a solid add for us not only in the circle, but also at the plate. She will bring depth to our pitching staff and is very compatible with what we already have. Karsyn is a high-character teammate with very competitive qualities. 

"We are excited to add Shelby to our team as well! She is a true utility kid who will add depth to our infield and outfield. She will also bring a little speed to our lineup with a good bat as well! Both of these girls will bring great qualities to our team this upcoming season."

McHughes and Ilits join twins Kadence and Kiley Brewster of Wichita, Kan.; infielder Lilli Daniels of Oklahoma City; utility player Marissa Powell of Fort Worth, Texas; and Jill Dickson, a pitcher from Edmond Memorial High School in Edmond in OC's 2022 signing class.

This year's signees will join a program that has established itself among the elite in NCAA Division II, having made three straight appearances in the Division II tournament.