CBS News: Norman, Oklahoma— An Epochal Open Letter from HC Patty Gasso to the Oklahoma Sooners Softball, Fans, and the Entire Sooner Community for Showing Love, Support, and Providing an Enabling Environment to Foster the Growth of Her Career Over the Years.
To all who have journeyed with me, stood beside me, believed in me, and shaped the story of my life’s work—this letter is for you. Today, as I reflect on the remarkable path I’ve walked with the Oklahoma Sooners softball program, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude, humility, and a heart full of emotion. I write not only as a head coach, but as a woman who has been blessed beyond measure by the extraordinary tapestry of people, places, and passion that define this community. I have always believed in the power of purpose, and thanks to each of you, I found mine here.
When I first set foot in Norman, Oklahoma, I couldn’t have predicted what was to come. I arrived with determination, with a dream to build a championship culture, and with a deep belief in what the game of softball could teach young women. But what I received in return was something far greater—an outpouring of love and support that empowered me to lead, to grow, and to stay grounded even as success arrived in waves. From the very first day, this university, this town, and every fan in the stands welcomed me with open arms. You didn’t just cheer for us—you invested in us. You believed in our mission, celebrated our wins, stood tall in our losses, and gave me the confidence to be bold, fearless, and true to myself.
To the athletic department, thank you for entrusting me with a sacred role. From administrators to staff, every single individual played a part in laying the foundation of this dynasty. You believed in the vision long before the trophies arrived. You prioritized resources for women’s sports in ways that transformed the future. You gave us facilities that inspired greatness and the space to dream bigger than we thought possible. You stood by us through trials and triumphs, and you allowed me to lead with faith, authenticity, and grit. That kind of trust is rare in any profession—and I’ve never taken it for granted.
To my players—past and present—you are the heartbeat of everything we’ve accomplished. You gave me your all, year after year, and I saw the sweat, sacrifice, and resilience you brought into every practice, every at-bat, every inning. More than champions, you’ve become leaders, mothers, professionals, and powerful voices in this world. The bonds we’ve forged go far beyond the field. You’ve taught me as much as I’ve taught you. Each of you left fingerprints on this program and wrote a chapter in our legacy. And through your talent and character, you helped shape mine. Your hunger to win never overshadowed your commitment to character, and that’s what makes you truly unforgettable. You’ve lifted trophies, yes—but more importantly, you’ve lifted each other. I will forever cherish every bus ride, every game day prayer, every teardrop shed in a dugout hug, and every celebration under the Oklahoma sky.
To the parents and families of our student-athletes—thank you for trusting me with your daughters. I’ve always understood the magnitude of that responsibility. Coaching is about more than skills; it’s about shaping lives. You allowed me to mentor, push, and guide them through defining years of their lives. I’ve sat beside many of you in tough conversations, and I’ve stood with you in moments of joy. Thank you for standing behind the values of this program and allowing your daughters to become part of something far bigger than softball.
To the fans—you are a force. You turned Love’s Field and every ballpark we played in into a sanctuary of spirit. You brought energy, pride, and loyalty that extended across generations. You wore your crimson and cream not just on game day, but as a badge of identity. Your unwavering support was never conditional. Whether we were chasing perfection or learning from failure, you showed up. You filled seats, followed every pitch, and built traditions that became the envy of college softball. You understood what this program was built on—hard work, faith, family—and you mirrored those values in the way you supported us. You inspired us to raise the bar, again and again.
To the Norman community—you gave me a home. You gave my family roots. You allowed me to raise my children in a town that exemplifies kindness, commitment, and faith. You supported me not just as a coach, but as a woman, a mother, a wife, and a believer. Through fundraisers, parades, volunteer events, and prayer circles, you rallied around this team with unmatched fervor. You made Oklahoma feel not just like a place on a map, but a piece of my soul.
To my coaching staff—thank you for walking beside me. Your brilliance, dedication, and selflessness made this program what it is. We’ve shared the burdens and the blessings, the heartbreaks and the historic. You challenged me to evolve, supported me through every transition, and brought your own unique gifts to the table. I’ve always believed that culture starts from the top down, but you made sure it echoed from the inside out. Together, we built more than a winning team—we built a family.
To the media, to college softball analysts, and to those who shined a light on our journey—thank you for telling our story with integrity and respect. You gave a platform to women’s sports that was long overdue. You chronicled our rise, gave voice to our athletes, and celebrated the game with passion. Your work helped change the narrative and elevate the visibility of this incredible sport.
To the young girls who watched us from the stands or from afar—never stop dreaming. This program exists because someone once dared to believe that softball could be more. That women could compete with the same intensity, receive the same support, and hold the same spotlight as anyone else. You are the next generation of greatness. You watched us chase glory with purpose and prayer—and now it’s your turn. Let your journey begin with boldness, faith, and a belief that nothing is out of reach.
There were many times I could have left, could have pursued opportunities elsewhere, but my heart never wandered far from Oklahoma. This place became more than just where I worked—it became who I am. I’ve stayed because of what this community stands for. I’ve stayed because of how deeply I’ve been loved here. And I’ve stayed because I believe our best chapters are still being written.
In a world that often demands instant results, you allowed me the time to build a legacy. That’s a gift. You nurtured my growth not just as a coach, but as a woman of faith. This program has always stood for more than wins. We’ve built a culture rooted in trust, humility, and passion. That culture has carried us to national championships, yes—but more importantly, it has carried us through the harder moments with grace.
Every trophy we’ve lifted, every banner we’ve hung, every record we’ve broken—those moments belong to all of us. They are not mine alone. They are ours. They are stitched into the fabric of what makes Oklahoma softball more than just a team. They are evidence of what happens when belief meets opportunity, when love meets loyalty, and when passion meets purpose.
I don’t know what the future holds in every detail, but I do know this: I will always fight for this program with everything I have. Whether on the field or from the sidelines of retirement one day, my love for this place will never fade. This university, this town, and this game have given me more than I could ever repay. But I will spend the rest of my days trying.
So to every Sooner near and far—thank you. Thank you for standing with me, for cheering for us, and for believing in what we built. Thank you for teaching me that success is sweeter when it’s shared. Thank you for allowing me to lead with conviction, to teach with love, and to grow with humility.
This is not goodbye. This is a celebration of everything we’ve accomplished—and a promise that the journey continues. With every new season, new athlete, and new challenge, we will remain anchored in the values that brought us this far. As long as there is a softball to throw, a base to steal, and a game to win—Oklahoma will rise.
With unending gratitude,
Coach Patty Gasso
Oklahoma Sooners Softball Head Coach
