Oklahoma Sooners Softball Pays Tribute to Coaching Legend with the Unveiling of a Statue Honoring Assistant Coach Jennifer Rocha
In a heartfelt and historic moment for Oklahoma Sooners athletics, the University of Oklahoma officially unveiled a statue commemorating longtime assistant coach Jennifer Rocha, whose legendary contributions to the softball program helped cement its dynasty in collegiate sports. Set outside the iconic Love’s Field, the statue stands as a permanent reminder of Rocha’s legacy—not just as a coach, but as a mentor, motivator, and cornerstone of the Sooners’ unprecedented success in women’s softball.
The ceremony, attended by hundreds of fans, former players, staff, and members of the softball community, marked a rare but richly deserved honor for an assistant coach, a role often vital but overshadowed in the limelight of head coaching recognition. For Rocha, who has dedicated decades to shaping elite pitching staffs and cultivating a championship culture alongside head coach Patty Gasso, the moment was nothing short of surreal.
Tears welled in Rocha’s eyes as she took the stage during the unveiling, standing beside the bronze likeness that captured her poised and passionate demeanor—a coach in mid-instruction, glove in one hand and intensity in her expression. “I never thought this kind of moment would be possible,” Rocha said in her speech. “This is not just about me. This is about the women I’ve had the privilege to coach, the families who trusted me with their daughters, and every player who put on the crimson and cream.”
Her words echoed deeply with those in attendance, especially players who had developed under her tutelage. Rocha, widely regarded as one of the top pitching minds in college softball, has played an integral role in transforming Oklahoma into a perennial national powerhouse. Under her guidance, the Sooners have produced numerous All-American pitchers, recorded multiple Women’s College World Series (WCWS) titles, and sustained one of the most dominant stretches in NCAA softball history.
But Rocha’s impact goes far beyond numbers or national championships. It’s the relationships she built, the mentorship she provided, and the way she nurtured confidence and character in her players that make her legacy so cherished. Former Sooner ace and national player of the year Jordy Bahl attended the event and shared an emotional reflection. “Coach Rocha believed in me when I didn’t even fully believe in myself,” Bahl said. “She helped me become the competitor I am—not just by fixing my mechanics, but by investing in my soul.”
Patty Gasso, who has led the Oklahoma program for nearly three decades, didn’t hold back in her praise for Rocha, calling her “the heartbeat of our pitching staff and one of the fiercest competitors I’ve ever coached alongside.” Gasso’s respect for Rocha was evident in every sentence, emphasizing that their collaboration went beyond coaching; it was a partnership forged in shared values and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence.
Gasso also highlighted how rare it is for assistant coaches to be publicly celebrated in such a manner. “Statues are typically reserved for head coaches or superstar athletes,” she said. “But if you know this program, if you’ve seen our practices or watched our pitchers go to work, you understand how vital Jennifer has been to our success. Her fingerprints are all over our championships, our records, and most importantly, our culture.”
Rocha’s journey to this moment was far from conventional. A former pitcher herself, she played at Oklahoma before beginning her coaching career. After stints at other programs, she returned to her alma mater, where she truly came into her own as a coach and mentor. Her return was more than a homecoming; it was a reunion of philosophy and passion, where she flourished by building a legacy rooted in discipline, empathy, and relentless preparation.
Among the many stories shared during the event, one particularly stood out. It was about Rocha’s practice of writing handwritten letters to her pitchers before every postseason run—letters filled with personalized encouragement, reminders of past triumphs, and words of strength for the battles ahead. “Those letters meant everything to us,” said former player Paige Parker, another star pitcher under Rocha’s guidance. “They were our secret weapon. She reminded us that we were built for pressure, built for greatness.”
The statue’s design, led by renowned sculptor Blair Buswell, captures Rocha in action, offering instruction to an unseen player. The dynamic pose reflects her coaching style—intense, hands-on, and never satisfied with anything less than full effort. The base of the statue is inscribed with the phrase: Relentless Craft. Relentless Care.—a motto attributed to Rocha’s coaching philosophy.
For the university, the unveiling also represents a broader commitment to honoring women’s sports in a way that parallels the historic achievements of its male counterparts. Joe Castiglione, Oklahoma’s athletic director, spoke passionately about how Rocha’s influence has helped raise the profile of women’s athletics not just at OU but nationally. “This statue is a symbol,” Castiglione said. “It tells future generations that the work of assistant coaches matters, that women who lead with integrity and fire will not be forgotten.”
The idea for the statue originally came from a group of former players and boosters, who began organizing and fundraising nearly two years ago. Their goal was to give Rocha her flowers while she was still actively contributing to the program. The overwhelming support from alumni and fans allowed the project to move forward quickly, culminating in a moment that felt both intimate and iconic.
Several attendees noted that Rocha’s statue stands not far from the one honoring Patty Gasso, and together the two bronze figures now form a symbolic axis of Oklahoma’s softball greatness. It is a visual representation of a dynasty built not just on one voice, but on the harmony and strength of a coaching team working in lockstep for decades.
Even during the celebration, Rocha remained humble. She repeatedly turned the spotlight back toward others—thanking her fellow coaches, her former players, her family, and even support staff. “You don’t build something like this alone,” she said. “Every person who’s ever walked onto that practice field with me has contributed to this moment.”
For the current roster of players, watching their coach receive such a profound honor was a lesson in legacy and gratitude. Senior pitcher Kierston Deal spoke about how motivating it is to play for someone whose work has been immortalized in such a public and powerful way. “Coach Rocha makes you want to be better every day,” Deal said. “She pushes you, but she also knows how to lift you up. Seeing her honored like this just reinforces everything we’re working toward.”
As the sun dipped behind the stadium and the crowd began to disperse, many lingered around the statue, taking photos and quietly reflecting. A few young girls in Oklahoma jerseys touched the base of the statue with wide-eyed wonder, perhaps dreaming of one day playing for the legend immortalized in bronze.
It was a day for celebration, for remembrance, and for recognition—of the thousands of hours, the silent sacrifices, and the tireless commitment that Jennifer Rocha has poured into a program that now stands as the gold standard of collegiate softball.
In a sport that often looks to its sluggers and star pitchers for stories, the unveiling of Jennifer Rocha’s statue served as a poignant reminder of the power and purpose of those who lead from behind the scenes. It was a moment that honored the soul of coaching and carved her name into the legacy of one of the greatest dynasties in NCAA history.
For Oklahoma and for the world of softball, the message was clear: greatness isn’t always loud, but it is always remembered. And thanks to that gleaming statue outside Love’s Field, Jennifer Rocha’s greatness will be remembered forever.
