The eight-time National Champion is taking on a new challenge with Team USA along with her current role at Oklahoma.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Patty Gasso’s appointment to lead USA Softball has been a dream of the legendary Oklahoma coach for a long time.

“I was able to attend the first USA Olympic Games in Atlanta and I was just a very young coach at OU,” Gasso said at her USA Softball introductory press conference on Tuesday. “And I watched that … but never in a million years would I tell you that I thought that I would be sitting here right now.

“… ‘Wow’ moment right here right now. … This moment is truly special in my career and it feels like a dream come true. … There’s a lot of responsibly to that and I honor all the coaches of the past and watched their work from afar.”

Last week, USA Softball announced Gasso would lead the team from now through the 2028 Olympics.

While the Olympiad will be hosted in Los Angeles, the softball portion of the game has been proposed to be held in Oklahoma City, something that will become official when Los Angeles’ city council votes to approve moving both softball and kayaking to OKC.

And while it’s fitting that the head of college softball’s current dynasty, one that has had so much success both in Oklahoma City and 23 miles south of Devon Park, USA Softball CEO Craig Cress said there was one thing in particular that stood out about Gasso during the interview process.

“Our Athletes Advisory Committee … they put together a list of potential candidates that they wanted us to talk to … And we reached out and had extensive interviews with several of them,” Cress said. “… Coach Gasso did an amazing job of making me believe that she really wanted to do this. And I think that’s what it came down to, besides her amazing track record, it’s just the enthusiasm and the passion she has to do this.”

Gasso’s rise in coaching hasn’t just occurred over the last four years, though she’s certainly taken her program to new heights in that time, but the stars hadn’t quite aligned prior to now for her to take the helm of the Red, White and Blue.

“I just always kind of stayed in the background until I thought it might be the right time for me,” Gasso said. “… I’ve had kids who were young at that time and I just felt that it was a really hard then to leave them.

“… But they’re grown and I’ve got grandkids. It’s time. It’s time. It’s in Oklahoma City.”

Throughout her tenure at Oklahoma, Gasso has coached some of the sport’s biggest stars.

But now she’ll be tasked with bringing together a team in a way she’s never had to before.

“I know everyone is fighting in America to be one of 15,” she said. “And the process is going to be tough but it’s going to be fair. The culture is going to be elite and if the culture is not elite then changes are going to be made.”

Gasso said the training for Team USA will take place mostly at Devon Park in Oklahoma City and at Love’s Field and Marita Hynes Field in Norman.

There will be multiple events in the years leading up to the Olympics, but the process will truly ramp up in 2027.

Gasso said she wants to settle on her team earlier than usual to give the proper time for the group to gel together, which will coincide with her duties at Oklahoma.

“We’ve talked to Joe (Castiglione),” Gasso said. “We’re going to try to schedule OU together with USA Softball and go to a lot of tournaments together, have them play in our tournaments at home. And if there’s any feeling like I need to step away, I know that I can do that when I need to do that.

In a surprising turn of events, a highly sought-after five-star guard has decommitted from the University of Connecticut (UConn) and pledged his commitment to the University of Tennessee Volunteers, choosing them over the University of Kentucky Wildcats and the University of Georgia Bulldogs.

Recruitment Background

The guard, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, initially committed to UConn, a program renowned for its competitive basketball legacy. His decision to decommit has sent ripples through the college basketball community, especially considering the intense competition from top-tier programs like Tennessee, Kentucky, and Georgia.

Reasons Behind the Decommitment

While specific reasons for the decommitment have not been officially released, such decisions often stem from various factors, including coaching changes, program direction, personal fit, and academic considerations. The guard’s decision to flip his commitment to Tennessee suggests a strong alignment with the Volunteers’ program and coaching staff.

Tennessee’s Recruitment Strategy

Tennessee’s basketball program has been proactive in strengthening its roster, and securing a commitment from a five-star guard is a significant achievement. The Volunteers’ coaching staff has been instrumental in building relationships with top recruits, emphasizing a competitive environment and a commitment to player development.

Impact on Kentucky and Georgia

Both Kentucky and Georgia were considered strong contenders for the guard’s commitment. Kentucky, under the leadership of head coach Mark Pope, has been actively recruiting top talent to maintain its competitive edge. Georgia, with its own rich basketball tradition, also presented a compelling option. The guard’s decision to choose Tennessee over these programs highlights the Volunteers’ growing appeal in the college basketball landscape.

Future Implications

This commitment is expected to have a significant impact on Tennessee’s upcoming season. The addition of a five-star guard enhances the team’s depth and potential, positioning the Volunteers as a formidable contender in their conference. For Kentucky and Georgia, this development underscores the competitive nature of college basketball recruiting and the need to continually engage with top prospects.

Conclusion

The decommitment of a five-star guard from UConn and his subsequent commitment to Tennessee over Kentucky and Georgia is a noteworthy event in the college basketball recruiting world. It reflects the dynamic nature of recruitment and the strategic decisions that shape the future of college basketball programs. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Tennessee to see how this new addition influences their performance and standing in the league.

Kelly Maxwell, the standout pitcher who transferred from Oklahoma State University (OSU) to the University of Oklahoma (OU) for her final collegiate season, has announced her departure from the Sooners’ softball program.

Maxwell’s decision marks the end of a remarkable journey that saw her transition from a Cowgirl to a Sooner, contributing significantly to OU’s recent successes.

In July 2023, Maxwell entered the NCAA transfer portal, expressing a desire for a new environment that would better align with her personal happiness. She officially joined OU in August 2023, bringing with her a wealth of experience and accolades from her tenure at OSU. During her time with the Cowgirls, Maxwell earned multiple All-America honors and was instrumental in their postseason performances.

At OU, Maxwell continued to showcase her exceptional pitching skills. She played a pivotal role in the Sooners’ 2024 Women’s College World Series (WCWS) championship victory, earning the Most Outstanding Player award. Her performance throughout the tournament was a testament to her talent and resilience.

Maxwell’s departure from the program has been met with mixed reactions. While some fans express disappointment over her decision, others understand her need to pursue new opportunities. Regardless of the circumstances, Maxwell’s impact on OU’s softball program is undeniable, and her legacy will be remembered by teammates, coaches, and fans alike.

As she moves forward, Kelly Maxwell’s future endeavors are anticipated with great interest. Her journey from OSU to OU and her subsequent achievements have solidified her status as a prominent figure in collegiate softball. The softball community wishes her success in all her future pursuits.

The 2025 college softball season is here!

Can Oklahoma win its fifth-straight title or will another team hoist the national championship trophy? Will former Stanford ace NiJaree Canady find success at Texas Tech? Are the Florida Gators really that good after all of their offseason additions? And what about conference realignment?

There are a lot of interesting storylines in 2025, so we asked our experts — Jenny Dalton-Hill, Amanda Scarborough, Michele Smith and Madison Shipman — to answer some of the biggest questions to help you get ready for the season.

They also made early picks for Player of the Year, WCWS predictions and shared what they are watching for at the Clearwater Invitational, which starts on Feb. 13.

Clearwater Invitational

What is college softball’s biggest storyline for 2025?

Jenny Dalton-Hill: Which transfer class will make the biggest impact? We have seen the softball world’s attention shift to Texas Tech because of pitcher NiJaree Canady, but how will other transfers improve the trajectory of a program quickly?

Amanda Scarborough: All of the unknown. This year will be the year of the breakthrough players and teams with so many changes entering the season — teams in new conferences, many impact transfers, a ton of head coaching changes and many legacy seniors classes graduating last season!

Amanda Scarborough: All of the unknown. This year will be the year of the breakthrough players and teams with so many changes entering the season — teams in new conferences, many impact transfers, a ton of head coaching changes and many legacy seniors classes graduating last season!

Michele Smith: All the ‘newness’ many of the power conferences will have to deal with. It will be interesting to see how the conference realignment plays out with new travel issues and players competing in new stadiums. It may be a challenge for some to adjust quickly.

Madison Shipman: Adjusting to the new changes, without a doubt, is going to be one of the biggest storylines of the season. But another that comes to mind for me is following Oklahoma this year. After graduating a senior class that won four consecutive national championships, will the Sooners be able to make it five in a row?

Dalton-Hill: I feel like I stay on repeat for this question each season: How will the Sooners maintain their culture with so many player graduations last season? The player dynamic shifts with different names in positions, but can those players gel and keep the “program first” mentality and find the leader to guide them there? They will always be talented but being player-led is the magic sauce.

Scarborough: Competing without their 2024 senior class. That was a group of winners who knew how to navigate all the different challenges they faced during their time wearing the uniform. Who will step up to fill those gaps/holes leadership-wise? Also, what does this program look like without those four-year starters?

Smith: Oklahoma won’t have the dominating pitchers in the circle it once had in the past nor its veteran senior class that believed they couldn’t lose. I believe that coach Patty Gasso’s staff will get the defense and hitting in order, and coach Jennifer Rocha will use a pitching staff to compete. This is still a strong Sooner team, but they will have to win in a different way.

Shipman: Figuring out what this team’s identity is. This season will be all about identifying Oklahoma’s new strengths. Will this be a home run-hitting offense? Dominant pitching in the circle? Lights out defense?

Scarborough: UCLA freshman pitcher Addisen Fisher. A highly touted recruit, a lot of eyes have been on Fisher since she committed to UCLA in 2022. The Bruins relied heavily on Kaitlyn Terry and Taylor Tinsley last season, and they’re both back, but Fisher adds depth to a staff that should be a lot of fun to watch.

Dalton-Hill: Oklahoma State pitcher Ruby Meylan. She is a big pickup for a Cowgirls team that needed a replacement for Lexi Kilfoyl. Meylan, who played at Washington last season, joins a highly touted class of four other transfers. With Oklahoma and Texas departing the Big 12 for the SEC, that leaves the door open for a new school to reign supreme.

Smith: Jenny, am I a homer if I agree with you?! Coach Kenny Gajewski has done a great job of picking up pitchers and key hitters for Oklahoma State, and I think this year is no different. Meylan will be strong in the circle with great enthusiasm and experience. Another talented transfer to watch is outfielder Megan Delgadillo; she can hit and run, and she’s a dynamic player.

Shipman: Auburn pitcher Haley Rainey. Rainey was the 2024 Big West Pitcher of the Year and pitched in regionals the past two seasons. After graduating over 280 innings pitched from last season’s roster, Auburn needed an impact arm and it got that in Rainey.

The Oklahoma Sooners softball team is facing a significant setback with the indefinite suspension of star pitcher Kelly Maxwell. Maxwell, a pivotal player for the Sooners, has been instrumental in their recent successes, including earning the title of Most Outstanding Player at the 2024 Women’s College World Series..

The suspension has left fans and teammates in shock and dismay. Many have taken to social media to express their support for Maxwell, with some fans tearfully stating, “We need him back.” The uncertainty surrounding her return has raised concerns about the team’s performance in the upcoming season.

While the specific reasons for Maxwell’s suspension have not been publicly disclosed, the Oklahoma softball program has emphasized its commitment to upholding the highest standards of conduct and integrity. The university has stated that it is thoroughly reviewing the situation and will take appropriate action in accordance with its policies.

Maxwell’s absence is expected to have a significant impact on the team’s dynamics. Her leadership and skill on the mound have been key factors in the Sooners’ recent achievements. The team will need to adjust their strategies and rally together to fill the void left by her suspension.

As the situation develops, both fans and the softball community are eagerly awaiting updates. The hope is that Maxwell will be reinstated soon, allowing her to return to the field and continue her contributions to the Oklahoma Sooners softball program.

In a stunning move that’s set to shake up the college softball landscape, the University of Oklahoma has officially signed 5-star prospect Shelby Pendley to a monumental $105.5 million deal. This acquisition comes as a direct response to replacing the departure of star infielder Shay Knighten, a key figure in OU’s recent successes.

Pendley, a standout player with an exceptional record in both offense and defense, is considered one of the brightest young talents in softball today. Her all-around performance and leadership on the field have earned her widespread recognition, and her potential to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level is undeniable. With a batting average well above .400 and impressive slugging stats, she is a game-changer who is expected to elevate OU’s already-dominant program to new heights.

The deal not only represents a massive financial investment by Oklahoma but also reflects the university’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of competitive softball. Pendley, known for her powerful bat and quick reflexes in the infield, is expected to fill the significant shoes left by Knighten. Her versatility makes her an invaluable asset to the Sooners’ lineup.

Head coach Patty Gasso expressed excitement about the addition, calling Pendley’s skills and drive a perfect match for the team’s philosophy. “Shelby is a special player who brings energy, consistency, and talent to our roster. She will help us remain competitive at the highest level,” said Gasso.

This move cements OU’s reputation as a powerhouse in college softball, and Pendley’s arrival is set to turn the 2025 season into a highly anticipated chapter in the program’s storied history.

OKLAHOMA CITY —University’s of Oklahoma softball coach Patty Gasso discussed Tuesday how she will manage leading the Sooners and Team USA.

OU softball players take the field at Devon Park pretty much yearly for the Women’s College World Series. Team USA said Gasso was the obvious choice to coach the players since the stadium in Oklahoma City could host the Olympics.

“This moment is truly special in my career, and it feels like a dream come true to be appointed as a coach of Team USA,” Gasso said.

The Los Angeles City Council needs to approve hosting the Olympic softball games in Oklahoma City.

“To see her have this stage just means the world to me, and I’m just excited for all the athletes who get to work with her, but it was a special moment,” Tiare Jennings, former OU player, said.

Gasso said coaching Team USA was a lifelong dream, and she is honored to be the first woman to lead the team. But now the hard work begins of picking 15 players to join her.

“That’s probably the hardest thing I can imagine,” Gasso said. “The process is going to be tough, but it’s going to be fair. The culture is going to be elite.”

The plan is to have OU softball and Team USA play side-by-side as often as possible, so Gasso can get both teams championship ready.

Jennings, who now coaches alongside Gasso, said she can’t wait to see how that plays out.

“Would be super cool just seeing them side by side. For me, that’s a dream come true having OU and USA Softball side by side,” Jennings said.

She said having Gasso decide the lineup is exciting, and she is ready to try to earn her spot.

“Just super excited to get to work. Theres still some time. The work is not finished. It’s going to be a hard process, but I’m just excited to keep working,” Jennings said.

Gasso spoke for the first time about being named Team USA coach during a news conference on Tuesday.

“My goal is to make Team USA the best it can be during my tenure, and I firmly believe– I don’t firmly believe–I know we will put in the hard work necessary to earn a gold medal in LA ’28,” Gasso said.

NORMAN — University of Oklahoma head softball coach Patty Gasso was named USA Softball Women’s National Team (WNT) head coach, USA Softball announced Monday. Gasso was selected by the USA Softball Selection Review panel and will lead the U.S. Olympic Team through the 2025-28 quadrennial cycle, which includes the LA28 Olympic Games.

“It is truly a remarkable moment in my career and a dream come true to be asked to coach Team USA,” said Gasso, who becomes the seventh female head coach of the WNT. “This is the highest honor I could ever receive, and I’m humbled by and thankful for the confidence USA Softball has in me. I have an intense passion to make Team USA the best it can be to help win the gold medal in 2028.”

Gasso has been involved with the USA Softball Women’s National Team program since 2018, coaching the U.S. Women’s Elite Team during the World Cup of Softball. She also contributed to numerous USA Softball training camps and selection trials, further demonstrating her commitment to fostering excellence within the sport and contributing to the development of aspiring athletes.

A National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame inductee, Gasso starts her 31st season as the head coach of the OU softball program this week. In 2024 she led the Sooners to a record-setting fourth straight national championship, which served as OU’s eighth under her direction in 17 trips to the Women’s College World Series. Gasso owns a 1,515-352-2 record at Oklahoma and is the Big 12 Conference’s all-time winningest coach in any sport. Her OU teams have won 15 regular season and nine postseason league titles.

“USA Softball is proud to announce that Coach Gasso will lead our Women’s National Team for the 2025-2028 quad,” said Craig Cress, Chief Executive Officer of USA Softball. “Throughout her career, Coach Gasso has made a significant impact on the softball community and has greatly contributed to the development of the sport. We are confident that her skills, knowledge, and experience will enhance our program and we look forward to supporting Coach Gasso and the Women’s National Team as they strive to represent the U.S. with pride on the highest stage in the coming years.”

At OU, Gasso has produced 84 All-Americans, 153 all-region honorees and 201 all-conference picks, as well as 16 Big 12 Player of the Year honorees and nine Big 12 Pitcher of the Year selections. The on-field success has translated to the classroom under Gasso, as the Sooners have been honored with 180 academic all-conference and 23 Academic All-America selections under her direction.
 
Gasso’s Sooners open the 2025 season this Thursday when they play against CSUN in San Diego, Calif., at 5:30 p.m. CT.