OU’s Patty Gasso Makes Her Case: Why Sooners and Texas A&M Deserve Top Seeds in NCAA Softball Tournament Selection

Oklahoma softball head coach Patty Gasso has never been one to chase headlines, but when she speaks, the college softball world listens. With Selection Sunday approaching, Gasso made it clear: she believes her Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas A&M Aggies both deserve top seeds in the 2025 NCAA Softball Tournament. It’s not just a statement of pride — it’s a belief rooted in resume, performance, strength of schedule, and the kind of competitive consistency that defines the top echelon of Division I softball.

The Sooners, as of the final weeks of regular-season play, boast one of the most impressive resumes in the country. A multi-time national champion, Gasso knows what it takes to earn one of those coveted top eight national seeds, and she’s convinced her team has done more than enough. “We’ve played one of the toughest schedules in the country, and we’ve competed every step of the way,” Gasso said. “This team has grown through adversity, has risen to the moment in high-pressure games, and done everything that the committee typically rewards.”

Oklahoma has again demonstrated that its reign as a softball powerhouse is no fluke. The Sooners own a strong RPI, have tallied key wins over fellow contenders like Florida, UCLA, and Texas, and have done it with a combination of dominant pitching and relentless offensive firepower. Gasso points to her team’s performances in hostile environments — road wins, neutral-site showdowns, and consistency against ranked opponents — as evidence that her program has not only survived but thrived through one of the deepest seasons in recent memory.

“You look at what this team has done away from Norman, and it’s incredible,” Gasso continued. “We haven’t just protected home field; we’ve taken our game anywhere in the country and played championship-caliber softball. That’s something that should matter when the committee looks at the total picture.”

But Gasso didn’t stop at championing her own team. In a rare moment of cross-conference advocacy, she also praised Texas A&M’s body of work. The Aggies, under head coach Trisha Ford, have surged into national prominence with a late-season run that included wins over ranked SEC foes and an eye-opening series win against Tennessee. For Gasso, their case is just as strong — and emblematic of the depth and quality that exists outside the Pac-12 and ACC.

“Texas A&M has been absolutely outstanding,” Gasso said. “They’ve been tested all season long in the SEC, and they’ve answered the call. Their offense is explosive, their pitching has matured beautifully, and they’ve proven they can win tough games in a stacked conference. That’s the mark of a top seed.”

Gasso’s comments come at a time when national debates around seeding criteria are intensifying. With the sport growing in parity and quality across more programs, deciding the top eight seeds — those who host through Super Regionals — has become more complicated. But Gasso believes it shouldn’t be a mystery.

“Strength of schedule. Ranked wins. Road performance. Consistency. These are all the pillars,” she said. “And when you apply that standard, I think it’s pretty clear where Oklahoma and Texas A&M stand.”

Oklahoma’s argument is boosted by the eye test as well. The Sooners have showcased a deep rotation of pitchers who can mix velocity with movement, a defense that has minimized errors, and an offense that punishes mistakes. From All-American sluggers to freshmen who have stepped into key roles, the roster is balanced and dangerous. But what might impress most is the culture of expectation — a program that reloads, not rebuilds, and continues to command respect across the board.

Gasso acknowledged that this year has posed different challenges compared to past title-winning teams. “We’ve had injuries, we’ve had setbacks, but every time, someone steps up. That speaks to our depth and determination,” she said. “This is a group that refuses to back down, and that has earned us the right to play at home throughout the postseason.”

Texas A&M’s case is bolstered by its place in the SEC, often viewed as the toughest conference in college softball. The Aggies have weathered the storm of that gauntlet, emerging not just with wins, but with statement series that show they belong among the elite. Ford’s second year at the helm has brought a noticeable edge to the program — a confidence, a belief that they can go toe-to-toe with anyone in the country.

Gasso credits Ford’s leadership and the Aggies’ fearless approach. “They’ve beaten top teams. They’ve played aggressive, smart softball. They’re not waiting for permission to be great — they’ve arrived,” she said. “If you watch them play, you know they’re dangerous. That’s what makes them deserving of a top-eight seed.”

The comments also reflect the camaraderie and mutual respect that exists between top coaches, even those in different leagues. Gasso and Ford share a similar ethos: develop talent, challenge your team, and build a program that can compete with the nation’s best. For Gasso, seeing another rising team get its due is part of the bigger picture.

“We want the tournament to reflect the best of the sport,” she said. “That means rewarding teams who’ve gone out and earned it. This isn’t about reputation or past success — it’s about 2025. And if we’re being honest, the work’s been done.”

Still, Gasso is aware that nothing is guaranteed when it comes to seeding. Every year brings controversy, surprise decisions, and some head-scratchers. But that’s exactly why she felt the need to speak out. “Sometimes you just have to make the case and trust the committee sees what we see as coaches, as competitors,” she said. “There’s too much on the line to stay quiet.”

The Sooners’ postseason fate will be revealed soon enough, and fans in Norman are already preparing for another deep run. Should Oklahoma land a top seed as Gasso hopes, it would mark yet another chapter in the dynasty’s ongoing story. But Gasso is quick to remind people that rankings and accolades aren’t the end goal.

“A seed is a tool — a way to earn the right to play at home, to build momentum. But it doesn’t guarantee anything,” she said. “We still have to show up, play our game, and earn every pitch, every run. That’s the standard we live by.”

Still, securing that top-eight slot means avoiding cross-country travel, controlling your environment, and being able to draw upon home crowd energy. In the high-stakes world of NCAA softball, it’s often the difference between making the Women’s College World Series and falling short.

As for the broader conversation, Gasso hopes her remarks help shape a narrative that values performance over pedigree, current form over name brand. It’s a view shaped by years of coaching, winning, and watching the game grow.

“I’ve seen the evolution of this sport,” Gasso said. “And we’re at a point now where excellence can come from anywhere. The committee has a tough job, but I think they have a chance to send a strong message this year — reward the teams that went out and proved it.”

With Selection Sunday looming, the debate will continue. But Gasso has made her case — clear, firm, and unapologetically confident. Whether in Norman or College Station, she believes two of the country’s most battle-tested squads should be right where they belong: at the top.