Gasso and Landry Take Top SEC Honors as Six Oklahoma Sooners Earn Spots on Prestigious All-SEC Softball Team Recognition
Oklahoma softball continues to make its mark in the Southeastern Conference in historic fashion, and the latest wave of accolades confirms the Sooners’ immediate dominance in their first SEC campaign. Legendary head coach Patty Gasso and standout freshman Kasidi Pickering-Landry both earned major conference honors, while a total of six Oklahoma players were named to the All-SEC Team, underscoring the depth and talent across the roster.
It’s not often that a team enters one of the premier conferences in college sports and immediately commands attention. But Gasso’s Sooners are not a typical team—they’re a dynasty in motion. In their inaugural SEC season, Oklahoma has not only lived up to its championship pedigree but has set a tone that says they are here to stay—and to dominate. The Sooners, fresh off their third consecutive national championship in 2024, have picked up right where they left off, and the individual recognition across the board is a testament to their continued excellence.
Head coach Patty Gasso was named SEC Coach of the Year, an impressive feat given the caliber of coaches across the conference. But it comes as no surprise to those familiar with her legacy. With multiple national titles, more than 1,400 career wins, and an unmatched ability to adapt and evolve, Gasso has proven time and again that she belongs among the greatest to ever lead a collegiate program. What stands out in 2025, however, is the way she’s managed the transition from Big 12 to SEC without missing a beat.
The Sooners haven’t just survived their first go-round in the SEC—they’ve thrived. Gasso’s leadership has been central to Oklahoma maintaining its identity and level of excellence while adapting to a new, more rigorous slate of competition. That she was voted by her peers as the top coach in the conference is further confirmation that her impact continues to reverberate across the sport. She’s built a program that wins with talent, sure, but also with discipline, resilience, and unity—traits that have only become more evident as the Sooners have tackled one of the most demanding schedules in college softball.
As for the players, no freshman in the country—let alone the SEC—has made waves quite like outfielder Kasidi Pickering-Landry, who was honored as the SEC Freshman of the Year. Landry burst onto the scene with poise, power, and a knack for delivering in big moments. Her presence at the top or middle of the order helped jump-start Oklahoma’s offense all season, and her maturity at the plate far surpassed her experience level. She showcased a potent mix of speed and strength, often turning singles into doubles and making routine plays in the outfield look effortless.
Landry’s numbers back up the hype. She posted a batting average north of .400, slugged over .700, and led all SEC freshmen in RBIs. Her OPS consistently hovered near the top of the conference rankings, and perhaps most impressively, she performed her best against elite opponents. Whether it was Arkansas, LSU, or Alabama, Landry met the moment with confidence and consistency. It’s rare for a freshman to be both feared and respected by opposing teams this early, but Landry’s season demanded it.
Joining her on the All-SEC First and Second Teams were five additional Sooners, each of whom played pivotal roles throughout the regular season. Their selections not only highlight Oklahoma’s star power but also the balanced contributions across multiple positions.
Senior shortstop Tiare Jennings, a three-time All-American and one of the most recognizable names in college softball, earned another All-SEC First Team nod. Jennings’ bat continues to be lethal, and her veteran presence in the infield anchors Oklahoma’s defense. In her final season, she has displayed not only her usual power and production but also growth in her plate discipline and leadership. She’s taken on the role of mentor for players like Landry, while still producing at an elite level herself—truly embodying what it means to be a Sooners softball player under Gasso.
On the mound, pitcher Nicole May continued to prove she’s among the nation’s best. Her sub-1.50 ERA and strikeout-to-walk ratio were among the best in the conference. May, who has been part of each of the last three national championship runs, transitioned smoothly into the role of ace this season, often facing and neutralizing the best hitters in the SEC. Her ability to command multiple pitches and work deep into games gave Oklahoma a dependable weapon in the circle, and her All-SEC First Team recognition reflects the respect she has earned.
Utility standout Kinzie Hansen was named to the All-SEC Second Team for her performance both behind the plate and in the batter’s box. Hansen has been a cornerstone of the Sooners’ success for years and continues to deliver as a senior. Her experience, pitch framing, and game-calling abilities make her an asset on defense, while her power bat remains one of the most dangerous in the league. She hit double-digit home runs again this season and drove in crucial runs during tight conference battles. Hansen’s combination of toughness and talent exemplifies what makes Oklahoma such a difficult team to face.
Outfielder Rylie Boone, another veteran presence, also made the All-SEC Second Team. Known for her speed and contact hitting, Boone ignited rallies and turned games around with her ability to get on base. She routinely disrupted defenses with her aggressive base running and is known for tracking down balls in the outfield that many others wouldn’t have reached. Boone’s energy and relentless style of play set the tone at the top of the lineup, and her selection to the All-SEC team is a well-deserved reward for her consistency and impact.
Rounding out the Sooners’ All-SEC selections is sophomore infielder Alynah Torres, who was named to the All-Defensive Team. While not as flashy at the plate as some of her teammates, Torres’ glove work was nothing short of spectacular. She made highlight-reel plays at third base throughout the season and was among the SEC leaders in fielding percentage and assists. Defense often flies under the radar, especially when your team’s offense is as prolific as Oklahoma’s, but Torres’ contributions were vital to the Sooners’ overall success.
Together, these six players form a core that has driven Oklahoma to another elite season and has them primed for yet another deep postseason run. But what stands out most about the Sooners is not just the talent—they’ve always had that. It’s the way the group plays for each other, guided by a coach who continues to evolve and inspire.
For Gasso, the 2025 season has been a unique chapter in an already historic career. She’s had to navigate a new conference landscape, prepare for tougher travel, and keep her team focused amid the weight of national expectations. That she managed all of this while developing young talent like Landry and maintaining championship-level performance from her veterans is a feat worthy of immense praise.
The SEC, long considered the gold standard in softball, has now welcomed a new juggernaut in Oklahoma. And if this first season is any indication, the Sooners are not just joining the ranks—they’re leading the charge. With Gasso at the helm and a roster full of stars and rising talent, the sky remains the limit for this program.
As the postseason looms, the Sooners carry not just a No. 1 seed or another title hope, but the validation that they belong—and perhaps even dominate—on the biggest stage in college softball. The All-SEC honors for Gasso, Landry, and their teammates are more than individual awards; they are mile markers on a journey that continues to defy expectations, reshape narratives, and redefine what excellence looks like.
