Oklahoma Sooners Softball Staff Earns Prestigious ATEC/NFCA Midwest Region Coaching Staff of the Year Award for 2025 Season

For a program synonymous with excellence, the Oklahoma Sooners softball team has added yet another accolade to its growing legacy. The Sooners’ coaching staff, led by the legendary Patty Gasso, has been named the ATEC/NFCA Midwest Region Coaching Staff of the Year, a testament to the sustained dominance, innovation, and development that have defined Oklahoma softball over the past two decades. This award is not only a recognition of coaching brilliance but also a nod to the culture of success that permeates every corner of the Sooners’ program.

Each year, the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) partners with ATEC to honor the top coaching staffs in each of the NFCA’s regions. To be named the best in the Midwest—a region traditionally stacked with elite programs and fierce competition—underscores the magnitude of what the Oklahoma staff accomplished during the 2025 campaign. Whether it was on the recruiting trail, in player development, or in high-stakes game situations, the Sooner staff consistently rose above the rest.

The 2025 season was one of both high expectations and unrelenting execution for Oklahoma. With a roster boasting both battle-tested veterans and rising stars, the coaching staff balanced continuity with innovation. Gasso and her staff orchestrated one of the most well-rounded teams in the nation—an outfit that could dominate opponents with power at the plate, precision in the circle, and surgical defensive execution. The balance and preparation displayed by the Sooners didn’t happen by accident; it was the result of meticulous planning, tireless work, and the type of chemistry between coaches and players that championship programs require.

Under Gasso’s leadership, the staff also included pitching coach Jennifer Rocha, assistant coach JT Gasso, and volunteer assistant coach Courtney Martinez. Together, they formed a cohesive unit that maximized talent and instilled a championship mindset across the roster. Rocha’s impact on the pitching staff has been immense, as Oklahoma once again ranked among the national leaders in ERA, WHIP, and strikeouts. Her ability to develop pitchers both physically and mentally has turned Oklahoma into a destination for elite arms seeking to reach their full potential.

JT Gasso, known for his sharp eye for offensive tendencies and elite game planning, continued to shape one of the country’s most fearsome lineups. The Sooners’ offense thrived through a combination of situational hitting, timely power, and intelligent base running—all trademarks of a coaching staff that demands excellence in execution. Courtney Martinez, meanwhile, served as a vital connector and resource for players, her experience and communication style complementing the tactical approach of the rest of the staff. Her presence helped maintain team chemistry and accountability throughout a rigorous season.

The Sooners faced their fair share of adversity in 2025, with the pressure of maintaining a dynasty always looming. But it was precisely in those moments where the staff’s experience shined the brightest. Whether it was adjusting lineups, managing workloads, or fostering the growth of young contributors, the coaches handled every twist and turn with grace and precision. The staff’s ability to adapt was on full display during the postseason, when Oklahoma navigated a brutal regional and super regional path en route to the Women’s College World Series.

In addition to their tactical prowess, what makes this Sooner staff particularly special is its commitment to the holistic development of its student-athletes. From academic support to leadership training, Gasso and her assistants emphasize that success on the field must be matched by growth off of it. That philosophy has helped turn Norman into more than just a softball powerhouse—it’s a place where young women are molded into future leaders, not just in sport, but in life.

The honor from ATEC and the NFCA isn’t simply about wins and losses; it’s about embodying what coaching at the collegiate level should be. The award recognizes staffs that go beyond the Xs and Os, investing in their athletes and in the growth of the game. By that standard, few staffs in any region or division measure up to what Oklahoma has built. This year’s selection reaffirms what the softball world already knows: when it comes to setting the standard, the Sooners are out in front.

The numbers from the 2025 season support the staff’s award. The Sooners were consistently ranked in the top five nationally, led the Big 12 in nearly every statistical category, and sent multiple players to postseason award lists and professional opportunities. Yet, the staff has never made the game about individual accolades. Their focus remains rooted in team culture, relentless preparation, and a love for the game that’s evident in every practice and every pitch.

Perhaps most impressively, the staff has managed to sustain elite performance despite the constant changes in the college athletics landscape. With the transfer portal and NIL deals reshaping rosters and priorities, Gasso and her staff have maintained cohesion by building trust and emphasizing long-term development. They’ve created a culture where players buy into the process, understand their roles, and take pride in continuing the program’s storied tradition.

Gasso herself continues to cement her legacy as one of the greatest coaches in the history of college sports. With multiple national titles, countless All-Americans, and a coaching tree that spans the country, her influence is undeniable. Yet, she consistently shares the spotlight with her staff, recognizing that true success comes from collaboration. This award, fittingly, is about the team behind the team—the individuals working together every day to prepare, motivate, and lead.

As the Sooners look ahead, the bar remains high—but that’s exactly how they want it. The culture established by Gasso and her staff doesn’t settle for past accomplishments. It evolves, innovates, and continues to push boundaries. With another Coaching Staff of the Year honor in hand, the Sooners are once again positioned not only as a reigning force but as a future blueprint for how collegiate programs can thrive in an ever-changing world.

The recognition as ATEC/NFCA Midwest Region Coaching Staff of the Year adds another jewel to the crown of a program that already glimmers with greatness. More than anything, it’s a validation of the tireless effort, the unbreakable bonds, and the unwavering standard that defines Oklahoma softball. For Sooner fans, it’s another reason to celebrate. For aspiring coaches and programs around the country, it’s another lesson in what sustained excellence really looks like.

In a sport that is growing rapidly in popularity and visibility, it’s coaching staffs like Oklahoma’s that are helping lead the charge. Their approach, their values, and their relentless drive have not only kept them at the top—they’ve helped lift the game with them. That’s the true mark of greatness, and it’s exactly what the ATEC/NFCA Midwest Region Coaching Staff of the Year award honors. In the case of the Oklahoma Sooners, the honor could not be more well-deserved.