Spark Pitcher Keely Rochard Announces Retirement

Right-handed pitcher Keely Rochard closes a Spark win against Great Britain on June 28, 2024.

Oklahoma City Spark right-handed pitcher Keely Rochard is announcing her retirement from softball. She played professionally for three years, with two years on the Spark roster. Her contributions both on and off the field have been invaluable, helping elevate our team in countless ways.

Originally from Williamsburg, Virginia, Rochard is known for her stellar collegiate career at Virginia Tech, where she cemented her reputation as one of the best pitchers in the game.

Rochard joined the Spark roster during their inaugural season in 2023 after her first year of professional softball. In 2023, Rochard pitched 44.1 total innings with a total of 15 strikeouts. She posted a 4-3 record. During her second season in 2024, she pitched 17.2 innings in 8 appearances with 20 strikeouts.

At Virginia Tech, Rochard’s senior year in 2022 was one for the history books.

She finished the season with a 26-4 record, 328 strikeouts (4th in NCAA Division I), a 1.89 ERA, and a .174 opponent batting average.

She recorded multiple no-hitters, including her 9th career no-hitter in the NCAA Tournament, and ended her career second in school history for strikeouts (1,120) and wins (97).

Her accolades in 2022 included being a USA Softball Player of the Year finalist, ACC Pitcher of the Year, and an NFCA First-Team All-American. She also earned ACC Pitcher of the Week honors twice and was recognized with numerous regional and state awards.

Rochard’s impressive collegiate record and her contributions to OKC Spark make her retirement a significant moment in softball.