The Oklahoma Sooners are set to enshrine one of the greatest college coaches of all time. Announced by Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione at the 2023 national championship celebration, the Sooners will unveil a statue honoring OU Softball [autotag]Patty Gasso[/autotag].
Gasso is the architect of a softball program that has won eight national championships under her leadership. OU Softball is the only program to win four straight national titles, accomplishing that feat from 2021 through another remarkable run in 2024.
In 31 seasons at Oklahoma, Gasso has the most wins and highest winning percentage of any coach in softball history. Under her direction, Oklahoma Softball has reached the Women’s College World Series 17 times.
Patty Gasso spoke about what it means to her, saying, “It’s really surreal. It’s really, I don’t even know what to say. I mean, I’m honored and humbled, and I was shocked when it was announced. I wasn’t expecting that at all. It’s kind of cool that it’ll be there for a while.”
Gasso has made an indelible imprint on the sport of softball, not just in Oklahoma but around the world. She hasn’t just been an advocate for the game, but an advocate for athletes and their mental health at the collegiate level.
There are few who have had as much of an impact on their sport as Patty Gasso has had on college softball. And her impact will last for generations.
From the University of Oklahoma Athletic Department
The University of Oklahoma Athletics Department announced Wednesday it will dedicate a statue honoring head softball coach Patty Gasso, on Friday, Sept. 13. It will be the school’s first statue honoring a female coach or athlete.
The ceremony, which will be open to the public, will begin at 4 p.m. in front of Gate 1 at Love’s Field. The public viewing area will be standing room only immediately south of Gate 1, with a free livestream of the event available on SoonerSports.com. Public parking for the dedication is available in the Lloyd Noble Center lot.
Gasso, OU President Joseph Harroz Jr., OU Vice President and Athletics Director Joe Castiglione and an OU Softball alumna will speak at the ceremony. Following the event, photo opportunities at the statue will be available to fans.
The statue was created by master sculptor Brian Hanlon of Hanlon Sculpture Studio.
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