Tag: Patty Gasso

‘College GameDay’ team takes batting practice with Oklahoma Softball

Oklahoma Softball welcomed “College GameDay” to Loves’ Field before Saturday morning’s show.

The Oklahoma Sooners will host the Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday night in Norman. OU’s first conference game as a member of the [autotag]SEC[/autotag] is one of the biggest games of the 2024 college football season.

It’s such a big game that ESPN’s “College GameDay” will be doing their live show on campus in Norman on Saturday morning before that night’s primetime affair between the Sooners and Volunteers.

A few members of the “GameDay” team took a visit to Oklahoma’s softball team on Friday before the big day on Saturday. The Sooners are coming off of a four-peat of national championships, and are one of the best softball programs ever, led by head coach [autotag]Patty Gasso[/autotag].

Gasso and the team welcomed the ESPN personalities to Loves’ Field to take some practice swings. “College GameDay” took to social media to post video of the results.

https://twitter.com/collegegameday/status/1837265501988208811?s=46&t=c0IUXD99Gev3mDup6hgrLA

Of course, Pat McAfee, a former NFL punter, gets the recognition with a big-time hit over the wall. But the best part of this video, in my opinion, is the smooth swing by former Alabama head coach Nick Saban.

Saturday will mark the first time “GameDay” has been in Norman since 2020 when the Sooners hosted Oklahoma State. Since that game occurred during the COVID-19 season, this week will be the first appearance with fans in attendance since 2012, when Oklahoma hosted Notre Dame.

McAfee interviewed Patty Gasso during his show Friday live from Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium and they plan to feature OU Softball during the three hour pregame show Saturday morning.

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ESPN ‘College GameDay’ set to feature guest picker Blake Shelton, Oklahoma legends

Oklahoma Legends set to appear on ESPN “College GameDay” live from Norman ahead of Sooners matchup with the Tennessee Volunteers.

The pageantry leading up to Oklahoma’s first appearance in Norman for ESPN “College GameDay” since 2020 has been incredible. Norman is preparing for an electric atmosphere, and the show is packed with some notable Sooner names and legends and a particular celebrity from the state of Oklahoma himself.

ESPN released an itinerary for Saturday’s “College GameDay” from Norman, and Sooner fans who cannot be there live will have a few things to tune in for.

Here is who is slated to appear on ESPN “College GameDay.”

  • Oklahoma’s head coach [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag] will appear on “GameDay” live on Saturday ahead of the Sooners’ SEC debut against Tennessee. Former OU linebacker and actor Brian, ‘The Boz’ Bosworth, will also appear on the show.
  • Oklahoma’s four-time defending national championship softball team gives “GameDay” a run for its money at the Sooners’ batting practice. Legendary head coach [autotag]Patty Gasso[/autotag] and and some of the Sooners’ softball team will join the show on Saturday to break down the “GameDay” panel’s swings.
  • Oklahoma native Blake Shelton, a Grammy-nominated country artist, will be this week’s guest picker.
  • Danny Stutsman will sit down with Jen Lada and talk about his decision to return to the Sooners, giving NIL money to walk-ons, comparisons to The Boz, and offers a one-of-a-kind tour of his car.
  • ESPN College GameDay analyst Pat McAfee will also hold his kicking contest in Norman and Sooner fans are already preparing to represent the brand.
  • Pat McAfee’s Kicking Contest – Back for its second season, GameDay is offering an exclusive contest during the live show, Pat McAfee’s Kicking Contest. Fans who arrive early will have a chance to be chosen from the ‘pit’ onsite with the opportunity to attempt a 33-yard field goal. If the contestant successfully completes the kick, he/she will be awarded $55,000 from McAfee. Full details, including official rules, can be found here.

The show will be broadcast live from the South Oval on OU’s campus from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. CT on ESPN and ESPNU.

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Oklahoma Sooners unveil Patty Gasso statue at Love’s Field

The Oklahoma Sooners enshrined a living legend at Love’s Field on Friday, unveiling the statue of head coach Patty Gasso.

A living legend was enshrined at [autotag]Love’s Field[/autotag] today when the University of Oklahoma unveiled a statue honoring softball coach [autotag]Patty Gasso[/autotag].

The statue evokes the image of Gasso giving a player a high five as they round third base after hitting a home run. Oklahoma has become synonymous with offense, and she’s handed out a lot of high-fives over the years.

Oklahoma head coach Patty Gasso take a picture with players and family during a statue dedication at Love’s Field in Norman, Okla,, Friday, Sept., 13, 2024. SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK

Gasso is the winner of eight national titles, pushing Oklahoma into a tie for second place after the Sooners completed the only four-peat in college softball history. Seven of the eight national championships have come since 2013, and six since 2016.

Under her guidance, the Sooners won 15 Big 12 regular season titles and led her staff to earn seven NFCA coaching staff of the year awards.

Prior to the spectacular run to the 2024 national title, the Sooners were one of just two teams to accomplish a three-peat, joining the UCLA Bruins, who secured the feat in the sport’s infancy.

Gasso is the winningest active coach in college softball and ranks third all-time in career wins, leading Oklahoma to the pinnacle of the sport over her 30 years at the helm for the Sooners. The NFCA Hall of Fame member has not only been a part of the growth of the OU Softball program, but the sport itself.

University of Oklahoma President Joe Harroz spoke at the unveiling and highlighted Gasso’s remarkable impact on her players, the sport, and those who follow the team, saying, “true greatness is not measured by the number of wins you have. It’s measured by the number of lives you impact. Patty transcends softball. Patty transcends sports.”

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Oklahoma Board of Regents approves historic raise for Patty Gasso

University of Oklahoma Board of Regents voted to increase Patty Gasso and OU Softball assistant salaries for 2025.

Fresh off a fourth straight national title, the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents approved a significant raise for Head Coach Patty Gasso and her assistants Jennifer Rocha and J.T. Gasso.

According to Eric Bailey of the Tulsa World (subscription required), Gasso’s salary for 2024-2025 will be increased to $1.9 million, and next year will increase to $2 million in 2025-2026. According to Colton Sulley of The Oklahoman, the salary has an average annual value of $2 million per year and runs through 2028. Gasso’s last raise came in 2022, a salary bump that paid her $1.775 million a year.

Rocha and J.T. Gasso will see their salaries increase to $300,000 a year per Bailey.

The Sooners keep their corps coaching staff intact as they look to build off of their historic run over the last four years.

https://twitter.com/EricBaileyTW/status/1834666114300911795

Oklahoma underwent its biggest turnover over the last five years, losing a number of stars to eligibility. But they’ve got a good young corps of players to build around as the Sooners enter the SEC.

OU’s SEC schedule was released for next spring. They’ll take on softball powerhouses Texas, Alabama, Tennessee, and Florida next spring to extend their record national championship streak.

https://twitter.com/OU_Softball/status/1833944835801448849

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Oklahoma Sooners to unveil Patty Gasso Statue Friday

The University of Oklahoma unveiled plans to unveil a statue of Patty Gasso at Love’s Field this Friday.

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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Alex Storako returning to OKC Spark for 2025

Alex Storako was a key addition to the 2023 Sooners and will be sticking around Oklahoma City in 2025.

Former Oklahoma Sooners pitcher [autotag]Alex Storako[/autotag] is once again staying close to home to play her professional softball.

Storako was a dynamite [autotag]transfer portal[/autotag] addition at OU for head coach [autotag]Patty Gasso[/autotag] for the 2023 season. As the Sooners were on their way to national title No. 3 of the current four-peat, Storako was a big part of bringing the championship home.

In her one year in Norman, Storako was a critical part of the Sooners’ pitching staff, picking up big wins early in the season and getting the start against in the three-peat clincher. She went 18-0 at Oklahoma. In 103.2 innings that season, she recorded 108 strikeouts and had an ERA of 1.15.

After a tremendous year, Storako was the first overall pick by the OKC Spark in the 2023 WPF draft. Now, she’ll be returning to the Spark for the 2025 season, as will OU legend [autotag]Kinzie Hansen[/autotag] at catcher.

Though she spent just one year at OU, she was beloved by fans as she helped the Sooners to a historic season. Now, those same fans will get to watch her continue her career back in Oklahoma City.

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Kinzie Hansen returning to Oklahoma City Spark in 2025

One of the all-time greats in Sooner softball history will be back on the OKC Spark next season.

Former Oklahoma Sooners softball catcher [autotag]Kinzie Hansen[/autotag] will be back with the Oklahoma City Spark for the 2025 season, the team announced on Thursday.

Hansen was a member of the most decorated senior class in college softball history, winning four national titles during her time in Norman. Hansen and the Spark had a successful summer as an independent squad, rolling through the competition to a record of 20-7. Hansen had a strong year in her rookie season and will look to build off of that next year.

Hansen played in 243 total games for head coach [autotag]Patty Gasso[/autotag] at OU. She averaged 54.75 games a season and started 49.5 games each of the last four years. In her career, Hansen hit .390 with 60 home runs and 268 RBIs. She was the [autotag]Big 12[/autotag] Defensive Player of the Year as a senior.

Her flair for the dramatic and her penchant for clutch hits marked her time as a Sooner. Perhaps the biggest hit of her career came against Clemson in the 2023 super regionals, when heavily-favored Oklahoma trailed late against the Tigers. OU had led 4-0 before Clemson rattled off seven unanswered runs. Oklahoma had two on with two out, and down to her final strike, she connected on a pitch and pulled it deep to left field to tie the game. The Sooners would eventually win the game in extras and would and go on to capture title No. 3 of the current [autotag]Women’s College World Series[/autotag] four-peat. She also hit a two-run home run in the Game 1 of the NCAA Softball championship series this past June.

With Hansen staying in OKC, Sooner fans will have plenty of opportunities to see on of the all-time greats continue her incredible career.

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Sooners add former Louisiana pitcher Sam Landry via transfer portal

Patty Gasso continues to add to the Oklahoma Sooners roster in the transfer portal.

The Oklahoma Sooners softball team added their newest member via the [autotag]transfer portal[/autotag] on Saturday. The second pitcher to join the team this offseason is officially in the boat.

[autotag]Patty Gasso[/autotag] and the four-time defending champions got a commitment from former Louisiana pitcher Sam Landry. The three-time all-[autotag]Sun Belt[/autotag] honoree announced her decision on social media.

In her career, she’s posted a 2.12 ERA with 63 wins and 460 strikeouts in 460 innings pitched. She entered the transfer portal on June 27.

Landry was an All-Sun Belt first-team selection, Sun Belt Championship All-tournament honoree, and an All-Louisiana first-team selection. She finished top 10 in victories last season with a career-best 24 wins. She led the Ragin’ Cajun pitching staff with 165 strikeouts, and held her opponents to a .219 batting average over 46 appearances and 28 starts.

Landry and fellow transfer [autotag]Isabella Smith[/autotag] will arrive to help the Sooners pitching staff, which includes [autotag]Kierston Deal[/autotag], [autotag]Patyn Monticelli[/autotag] and freshman [autotag]Audrey Lowry[/autotag]. Deal is the most experienced returner the Sooners have on the roster. The Sooners are still awaiting the decision of Player of the Year NiJaree Canady.

Landry is the fifth player Gasso, and the staff has acquired via the portal since winning the national championship last month.

More: Oklahoma Sooners Softball Transfer Portal Tracker

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Oklahoma AD takes a jab at Lincoln Riley in ‘mic drop’ moment

Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione went in on former head football coach Lincoln Riley during the Sooners’ SEC celebration.

The Oklahoma Sooners have officially joined the [autotag]SEC[/autotag]; the move became official on Monday. The university held several events across Norman to celebrate the move.

SEC Network was on hand with a showcase of Oklahoma athletics. [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag], [autotag]Bob Stoops[/autotag], [autotag]Patty Gasso[/autotag] and [autotag]Skip Johnson[/autotag] were among the most notable OU figures to join SEC Network hosts.

But it wasn’t just present and former coaches who stepped into the bright lights of television. OU athletic director [autotag]Joe Castiglione[/autotag] and university president [autotag]Joseph Harroz Jr.[/autotag] joined “SEC Now” on Monday afternoon. The topic of discussion turned to the initial conversations with Oklahoma coaches about the school’s decision in 2021 to leave the [autotag]Big 12[/autotag] and join the SEC.

“I will tell you without reservation,” Castiglione said, “every coach we talked to was excited. And, you know what? The ones that weren’t aren’t here anymore. This is Oklahoma. Either get with it or get on with it.”

This, of course, drew quite the reaction from the panel on “SEC Now,” that included ESPN’s Dari Nowkhah and Alyssa Lang, as well as SEC commissioner [autotag]George Sankey[/autotag]. All were well aware of who Castiglione was likely referencing.

“We call that a mic drop,” Harroz Jr. said.

Castiglione’s remarks are most likely about former head football coach [autotag]Lincoln Riley[/autotag], who departed for USC a few months after news broke that OU would be leaving for the SEC. Riley denied the SEC move had anything to do with him leaving. Oklahoma fans, on the other hand, have long believed it’s because he didn’t want to play against the strict competition in the SEC.

Riley had three attempts against the SEC in the playoffs and came up empty. Then reports came out that Riley and the Trojans tried to get out of playing LSU this year and next. And then USC and Ole Miss canceled their two-game series.

But Castiglione dropped the biggest nugget in the whole sage.

This may be the closest thing we ever get to confirmation from Castiglione that Sooner Nation’s suspicions were, in fact, true. After news broke in July of 2021 that the Sooners were moving conferences, Riley led an unfocused 2021 regular season and bolted to Los Angeles hours after it was over.

We all remember the L.A. Times report that stated Riley’s move was months in the making. Riley, on the other hand, insists that Southern Cal convinced him to move his family across the country and be their coach in a matter of hours. Riley hopped on a plane headed west less than a day after losing to Oklahoma State at the end of 2021.

The SEC would have provided harsher competition that the Big 12 did. That’s still absolutely the case. Whether or not that’s why Riley walked may never truly be known. The important thing is Castiglione has his guy to lead the Sooners into the SEC. [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag] embraced the challenge of the toughest conference in college athletics, and the Sooners are finally official members of the SEC.

All that’s left now is to win football games.

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‘Going into the SEC is just a different animal,’ says Patty Gasso

Head softball coach Patty Gasso explains why the Oklahoma Sooners are excited about their move to the SEC.

It’s realignment time for the Oklahoma Sooners, as the entire athletics program moves from the [autotag]Big 12[/autotag] to the [autotag]SEC[/autotag]. The move became official at midnight on Monday morning.

For the softball team, that means defending their four-straight national championships from a different conference. But with [autotag]Patty Gasso[/autotag] calling the shots, OU has a better chance than anyone to capture a five-peat.

Gasso joined ESPN’s Paul Finebaum on his show Monday, as the SEC Network celebrated the Sooners’ move to the conference. She remarked on the excitement level of the fans and of her team moving to the SEC.

“Going into the SEC is just a different animal,” Gasso said. “I’m really excited. I think everyone here at Oklahoma is very excited. But we love competition. We never are afraid of it. We face it in the eye and that’s why our team has been so successful and most teams here on campus have as well, so we’re looking forward to it. I know it’s gonna make us better, but I know it’s gonna make this university flourish even more than we have already.”

The softball roster has been under construction since winning the national title last month. A historic group of seniors leaves after four-straight championships. Three players have departed in the transfer portal, while Gasso has replenished the depth chart with new additions, both in [autotag]recruiting[/autotag] and the [autotag]transfer portal[/autotag]. But, there’s little doubt that Oklahoma will be stocked with talent to chase the program’s ninth ring in 2025.

Gasso’s comments on “The Paul Finebaum Show” illustrate the competitive nature of both the softball team and the entire athletic program. Sure, the SEC will be more difficult (especially for football). But, the resources and prestige of the conference, along with that elite competition that the SEC offers, will help improve OU Athletics in the short, medium and long-term.

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