The Oklahoma Sooners have cemented their place in collegiate athletics history, not just through their unparalleled dominance on the softball field, but also through their profound appreciation for the architect of that success: head coach Patty Gasso. In a testament to her enduring legacy and transformative impact, the University of Oklahoma unveiled a new, permanent statue honoring Patty Gasso, solidifying her status as an icon not just in Norman, but across the entire landscape of college sports. This unveiling, which took place on Friday, September 13, 2024, at the university’s state-of-the-art Love’s Field, served as an everlasting tribute to a coach who has transcended the sport and profoundly impacted countless lives.
The idea of immortalizing Patty Gasso in bronze began to take shape after her unparalleled achievements, particularly as the Sooners continued to stack national championships. The Oklahoma Board of Regents approved the statue’s creation in March 2024, signaling the university’s deep commitment to honoring its living legends. Master sculptor Brian Hanlon, known for his work on statues of other OU greats like Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray, was commissioned for the project, ensuring the tribute would be of the highest artistic quality.
The chosen pose for the statue is both iconic and deeply representative of Gasso’s coaching style and the offensive philosophy that has defined her teams. It depicts Gasso with her hand outstretched, as if giving a high-five to a player rounding third base after hitting a home run. This simple yet powerful image perfectly encapsulates the joyous celebration, camaraderie, and offensive firepower that have become synonymous with Oklahoma softball under her guidance. As Gasso herself noted, if there’s an iconic pose for her, it’s that interaction, symbolizing not just her, but the entire program’s spirit.
The unveiling ceremony at Love’s Field was a momentous occasion, attended by university dignitaries, former and current players, media, and a throng of adoring fans. Speeches from OU President Joseph Harroz Jr., Vice President and Athletics Director Joe Castiglione, and former OU softball players highlighted Gasso’s remarkable career and her profound influence extending beyond wins and championships. President Harroz Jr. eloquently stated, “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.” This sentiment resonated deeply, acknowledging Gasso’s role as a mentor, a leader, and an inspiration to generations of young women.
Patty Gasso’s career at Oklahoma is nothing short of legendary. In her 31 seasons as head coach, she has transformed the Sooners into an unrivaled national powerhouse. Under her leadership, OU has secured an astounding eight national championships, including an unprecedented four consecutive titles from 2021 to 2024. This level of sustained dominance is unmatched in NCAA softball history and places her among the most successful coaches in any collegiate sport. Beyond the national titles, Gasso has led the Sooners to 17 appearances in the Women’s College World Series and has advanced to the postseason every season since 1995 (excluding the canceled 2020 season). Her career coaching record stands at a staggering 1,676-411-3 (.802), making her the winningest active coach in NCAA history by both total wins and winning percentage, and ranking third all-time in both categories.
But Gasso’s impact is not solely defined by the numbers in the win column. Her leadership has fostered a culture of excellence that extends to every facet of the program. She has recruited and developed 79 All-Americans, 145 all-region honorees, and 192 all-conference selections. Her teams have consistently excelled in the classroom, earning 180 academic all-conference awards, including 23 Academic All-Americans. This holistic approach, prioritizing both athletic and academic achievement, underscores her commitment to developing well-rounded individuals.
The unveiling of the statue at Love’s Field, the Sooners’ cutting-edge new softball stadium, provides a fitting backdrop for this tribute. The state-of-the-art facility itself is a reflection of the program’s elite status, and having Gasso’s statue greet fans at Gate 1 is a powerful symbol of her enduring presence and influence. It is also historically significant as the university’s first statue to honor a female coach or athlete, breaking new ground in recognizing the achievements of women in sports.
The “renewal” aspect of this event isn’t about renovating an existing statue, but rather a renewal of commitment and celebration. It marks a new era with the opening of Love’s Field and a renewed public recognition of Gasso’s continued legacy, especially following the historic four-peat. The timing of the unveiling, just months after the 2024 national championship, amplified the sense of celebration and current relevance.
As the Sooners prepare for their inaugural SEC season in 2025, the presence of Patty Gasso’s statue at Love’s Field will serve as a constant reminder of the program’s unparalleled past and the high standard of excellence she has established. It’s an enduring monument not only to a legendary coach but to the values of hard work, dedication, and championship-level performance that she has instilled in every player who has passed through her program. The statue stands as a permanent fixture, an everlasting tribute to a woman who built a dynasty and changed the game of college softball forever.
