Oklahoma Sooners Unveil New Patty Gasso Statue and Restore Original, Celebrating a Timeless Legacy of Unmatched Softball Excellence

On a day filled with emotion, pride, and celebration, the University of Oklahoma officially unveiled a brand-new statue of legendary softball coach Patty Gasso while also renewing and restoring the original monument that was erected in her honor. This dual tribute, a rare and powerful gesture, further cements Gasso’s status as a transformational figure not only in Oklahoma athletics but in the history of collegiate softball.

The event drew hundreds of fans, former players, university officials, and the greater Norman community to Marita Hynes Field, the cathedral of Oklahoma softball, where Gasso built a dynasty that forever changed the sport. It was more than a ceremony—it was a living testament to her enduring impact, her relentless pursuit of greatness, and her unwavering commitment to excellence.

The new statue captures a different side of Gasso. Unlike the original, which depicted her in a more traditional, coaching pose with a clipboard in hand, the new statue shows Gasso in a moment of triumph—arms raised, a championship hat on, symbolizing the mountain she helped the program climb year after year. It is a portrait of a winner, a leader, and an architect of sustained success.

As fans walked through the newly designed plaza, now dubbed the “Gasso Legacy Courtyard,” the two statues stood as pillars of time—one representing the early foundation of her tenure, the other showcasing the peak of her achievements. University President Joseph Harroz Jr. described it perfectly when he said, “What we have here is not just a statue. What we have here is a story that never fades. A story that will inspire generations.”

Gasso’s career is, without question, one of the greatest in sports history. With multiple national championships, countless Big 12 titles, and a reputation as the standard-bearer in college softball, her influence transcends the diamond. She has coached Olympians, All-Americans, and trailblazers. More importantly, she has instilled values of discipline, faith, hard work, and selflessness into her players, leaving a legacy that stretches far beyond wins and losses.

When Gasso took the podium, her message was humble yet profound. “I never coached for statues. I never chased recognition,” she said. “I chased excellence. I chased relationships. I chased the chance to make young women believe they could be great, in softball and in life.”

Those words struck a chord with everyone in attendance. Tears flowed among former players, some of whom credited Gasso for shaping their lives, not just their playing careers. Jocelyn Alo, widely regarded as one of the greatest sluggers in the history of the sport, returned for the event and spoke about Gasso’s influence on her journey. “Coach Gasso didn’t just push me to be the best hitter I could be,” Alo said. “She pushed me to be the best person I could be.”

The unveiling of the new statue also served as an opportunity to refresh the original one, which had shown signs of aging after years of Oklahoma weather and decades of admiration from fans who touched it for good luck. University officials collaborated with local sculptors to preserve the integrity of the original piece while adding intricate details that brought it back to life. It now stands proudly next to the new statue, bridging the past and present in perfect harmony.

The timing of this tribute could not have been more fitting. Gasso’s Sooners are fresh off another dominant season, adding yet another national title to their trophy case, reinforcing Oklahoma’s place at the pinnacle of the sport. Her ability to maintain that level of success in an era of transfer portals, NIL deals, and heightened competition is nothing short of extraordinary. Yet, as Gasso has often said, it has always been about the process, the grind, and the love for the game.

The event was filled with warm reunions, laughter, and moments of reflection. Families walked the stadium grounds, sharing stories about their first games, their favorite players, and the unforgettable memories tied to Oklahoma softball. Several alumni remarked on how Gasso had cultivated a family atmosphere that welcomed everyone—from walk-ons to All-Americans—with the same intensity and respect.

Among the notable speakers was Patty Gasso’s husband, Jim Gasso, who spoke about the family’s journey and the sacrifices along the way. “Patty gave her heart to this program. She gave everything she had, every day. And we, as a family, walked this road with her, proud of every step.”

The celebration wasn’t limited to speeches and statues. The university also announced the launch of the Patty Gasso Leadership Scholarship, aimed at supporting future student-athletes who exemplify the leadership, work ethic, and dedication that Gasso has championed throughout her career. The scholarship is yet another layer of the legacy, a continuation of Gasso’s lifelong mission to uplift and empower young women.

Current players were present as well, absorbing the significance of the moment and recognizing the weight of the jersey they now wear. Senior pitcher Nicole May captured the feeling best: “To play for Coach Gasso means to be part of something that’s much bigger than softball. It’s about pride, it’s about history, and it’s about never taking anything for granted.”

As the event drew to a close, fans lined up to take photos with both statues, many of them pausing to run their hands across the base as if to draw some of the magic that Gasso has brought to Oklahoma softball. Children, parents, alumni, and even casual fans understood they were witnessing a rare kind of legacy—one that is still actively being written.

The dual statues now stand not only as artistic representations but as permanent fixtures of Oklahoma’s identity. They serve as daily reminders to all who walk into Marita Hynes Field of what is possible when passion, perseverance, and purpose come together.

Patty Gasso has often deflected praise, choosing instead to highlight her players and her staff. But on this day, there was no hiding from the truth: her legacy is one of the most significant in the history of college sports. The new statue, alongside the renewed original, tells the full story—a story of humble beginnings, tireless work, unmatched success, and a future that continues to burn brightly.

Even as Gasso continues to lead the Sooners, these statues ensure that long after her final game, her presence, her voice, and her values will remain. They stand as timeless tributes to a coach who redefined greatness and who, in doing so, forever changed the fabric of Oklahoma softball.

The message from the University, the fans, and the players was clear—Patty Gasso isn’t just part of Oklahoma’s history. She is Oklahoma’s history. And now, her story is etched in bronze, a permanent symbol of what it means to dream, to fight, and to win with integrity.

The day ended as it should—with cheers, chants, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Patty Gasso walked away from the podium with her family by her side, her players past and present surrounding her, and the statues gleaming in the sunlight behind her. The moment was perfect. The tribute was timeless. And the legacy is forever.