Oklahoma Sooners softball coach Patty Gasso earns AP Women’s Softball Coach of the Year honors
Patty Gasso, head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners softball team, has once again solidified her place among the greatest figures in collegiate athletics by being named the Associated Press (AP) Women’s Softball Coach of the Year. This prestigious recognition underscores Gasso’s extraordinary achievements, unwavering leadership, and transformative influence on the sport of softball over nearly three decades.
Since taking the reins in 1995, Gasso has orchestrated a remarkable transformation of the Oklahoma softball program. From modest beginnings, she has built a dynasty characterized by excellence, discipline, and innovation. Under her guidance, the Sooners have become a perennial powerhouse, claiming eight NCAA Division I National Championships, including a historic four-peat from 2021 to 2024—a feat unmatched in NCAA softball history.
The 2024 season alone showcased Gasso’s masterclass in coaching. Her squad finished the year with a 59-7 record, dominating opponents with a relentless offense and a rock-solid defense. The Sooners led the nation in on-base percentage and wins, and ranked among the top five teams in home runs, batting average, and slugging percentage. Their 27 run-rule victories and 23 shutouts further illustrated their commanding presence on the field.
Such success is not accidental. Gasso’s philosophy emphasizes not only athletic excellence but also mental toughness, teamwork, and integrity. She has cultivated a culture of resilience and high standards, which has translated into consistent postseason success and a winning tradition. Her commitment to developing complete student-athletes is evident in the classroom as well, with her program producing 180 academic all-conference honorees and 23 Academic All-Americans.
Gasso’s coaching career is decorated with numerous accolades. In addition to the AP honor, she and her staff were recently named the 2024 ATEC/NFCA Division I National Coaching Staff of the Year—their third consecutive and seventh overall such distinction. She is a 15-time Big 12 Coach of the Year and was inducted into the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2012, cementing her legacy as one of the sport’s icons.
Yet, Gasso’s influence extends well beyond the diamond. Her players frequently speak of her mentorship, the life lessons she imparts, and the empowerment they feel under her leadership. She has inspired generations of athletes to dream big and work hard, setting a standard not only for softball coaches but for leaders in all fields.
In February 2025, Gasso was named head coach of the USA Softball Women’s National Team for the 2025–2028 quadrennial, which includes the LA28 Olympic Games. This appointment reflects the universal respect she commands in the softball community and her ability to elevate talent at the highest level.
Her tenure with Team USA is expected to be marked by the same excellence and competitive fire that has defined her Oklahoma career. As she prepares to lead America’s best on the international stage, her influence continues to grow, shaping the future of the sport both nationally and globally.
Patty Gasso’s selection as the AP Women’s Softball Coach of the Year is more than an accolade—it is a recognition of a career defined by vision, passion, and unparalleled success. Her story is one of dedication and evolution, a testament to what can be achieved through hard work, humility, and an unwavering belief in one’s mission. As the softball world celebrates her achievements, one thing remains clear: Patty Gasso is not just a coach; she is a legend, and her legacy is still being written.
