Patricia Marie Gasso, widely known as Patty Gasso, stands as a monumental figure in the realm of college softball. As the head coach of the University of Oklahoma (OU) softball team since 1995, Gasso has transformed the program into a national powerhouse, earning numerous accolades, including multiple Coach of the Year honors.University of Oklahoma+4Wikipedia+4University of Oklahoma+4
Born on May 27, 1962, in Los Angeles, California, Gasso’s journey into softball began at Long Beach State University, where she played collegiate softball. Her passion for the game and leadership qualities were evident early on, setting the stage for her future coaching career.Wikipedia
Gasso took the helm of the OU softball program in 1995. Under her guidance, the Sooners have achieved remarkable success, including:University of Oklahoma+1Wikipedia+1
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Eight NCAA Women’s College World Series championships (2000, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2021–2024). Wikipedia+1University of Oklahoma+1
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Fifteen Big 12 regular season titles and nine Big 12 Tournament championships. University of Oklahoma+2Wikipedia+2SI+2
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A career record of 1,515–352–2, making her the winningest coach in Big 12 history. Wikipedia+3University of Oklahoma+3NCAA.com+3
These achievements underscore Gasso’s exceptional coaching acumen and her ability to consistently lead her team to the pinnacle of college softball.NCAA.com+4University of Oklahoma+4University of Oklahoma+4
Gasso’s excellence has been recognized through various Coach of the Year awards:
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NFCA National Coaching Staff of the Year: Awarded to Gasso and her staff in 2000, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2022, and 2023. Wikipedia+2SI+2University of Oklahoma+2
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Big 12 Coach of the Year: Recognized fifteen times, reflecting her dominance in the conference. University of Oklahoma
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USA Softball Women’s National Team Head Coach: In 2025, Gasso was appointed to lead Team USA through the 2025–2028 Olympic cycle, marking a significant milestone in her career. NCAA.com
Beyond her on-field success, Gasso has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of college softball. Her commitment to excellence has set new standards for the sport, inspiring countless athletes and coaches. Her induction into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2022 further cements her legacy as a transformative figure in collegiate athletics. University of Oklahoma
Patty Gasso’s career is a testament to the power of leadership, dedication, and passion. Through her unwavering commitment to her team and the sport, she has not only achieved personal success but has also elevated the game of college softball to unprecedented heights. Her story continues to inspire and will undoubtedly influence the future of the sport for years to come.
