
New Talent Rising: Tia Milloy Felt Prepared to Hit the Ground Running at Oklahoma…
By Madison Greene | June 2025 | ESPN Feature Article
When Tia Milloy officially stepped onto the softball diamond as an Oklahoma Sooner, there was an undeniable air of anticipation. The name “Milloy” carried a legacy of athletic excellence, but Tia was never one to rely on a surname. Instead, she carried with her a fire forged through years of dedication, family mentorship, and personal ambition. And as she took her first swings, fielded her first ground balls, and laced up in Sooner crimson, it was clear — Tia Milloy wasn’t just ready; she was born for this.
In what’s being heralded as one of the most seamless transitions in recent memory, Milloy has already made waves during her early days in Norman. As a new member of the powerhouse Oklahoma Sooners softball program — led by legendary head coach Patty Gasso — Milloy has arrived not merely to blend in, but to make her mark.
This is the story of a rising star, a family legacy, and a young woman who felt prepared to hit the ground running in one of the most elite college athletic environments in America.
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Athletics Is in Her Blood
To understand Tia Milloy’s preparedness, one must first understand the world she grew up in. Born to former NFL safety and four-time Pro Bowler Lawyer Milloy, Tia had a front-row seat to the discipline, toughness, and mindset required to compete at the highest level. But while her father’s reputation loomed large, he was careful to instill in her the importance of earning her own path.
> “My dad always told me that a name might open a door,” Tia once said, “but it’s up to me to walk through it and stay there.”
Athletics wasn’t a casual weekend activity in the Milloy household. From a young age, Tia trained with intensity. She absorbed game tape, studied players she admired, and worked on perfecting the fundamentals of her game. She played multiple sports through middle and high school, but softball was where her heart beat loudest.
The competition, the camaraderie, the strategic dance of speed and power — it all called to her. And it didn’t take long for scouts to notice.
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A Star on the Rise: From High School Sensation to National Prospect
Milloy’s high school career was nothing short of electric. Playing for Redmond High School in Washington, she quickly established herself as a five-tool player: a slick defensive outfielder, a blazing baserunner, and an offensive threat capable of changing a game with one swing.
She was ranked among the nation’s top 15 recruits, receiving offers from several elite programs — but when Oklahoma came calling, the choice became clear.
> “I wanted to go where greatness is the standard,” Tia explained. “There’s no place like Oklahoma. The coaches, the culture, the championships — I knew this was where I belonged.”
Her commitment to Oklahoma sent waves across the college softball community. The Sooners were already loaded with talent, but adding Milloy to the roster gave them something even more valuable: future-proof versatility.
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Why She Felt Prepared: The Mindset of a Sooner
Joining a program with multiple national championships and a legacy that looms large can be intimidating. But Tia Milloy didn’t blink. She came into Norman not just to learn — but to contribute.
> “Coach Gasso talked a lot about expectations,” Tia said. “She told me, ‘You don’t have to be perfect, but you do have to be intentional.’ That clicked for me. I’ve always trained for this moment.”
Milloy’s preparedness stemmed from three crucial components:
1. Family Mentorship – Her father’s NFL experience gave her a mental edge in terms of professionalism, preparation, and handling pressure.
2. High-Level Club Play – Competing with and against some of the best club talent in the country gave her a realistic view of what collegiate competition would look like.
3. Self-Discipline – Milloy is known for her focus. Whether it’s a 6 AM lift, extra cage work, or film study, she brings a pro-level approach.
“She showed up from day one like a veteran,” said assistant coach JT Gasso. “Her attention to detail, her confidence — you’d think she was a junior. She’s got something special.”
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Early Impact on the Field
Though she’s only just begun her collegiate career, Milloy’s presence has already impacted the Sooners in big ways.
In fall exhibitions and early scrimmages, she demonstrated explosive speed on the basepaths, elite outfield range, and the kind of clutch at-bats that turn heads. She hit .500 during Oklahoma’s preseason exhibition series and has been clocked at elite times during baserunning drills.
> “She’s the kind of player who makes everyone better,” said team captain Kinzie Hansen. “She’s always asking questions, always pushing herself, and you can tell she wants to be great.”
Milloy is expected to contribute both as a defensive outfielder and a pinch-running specialist early in her freshman season, with many predicting she could become a starter by mid-year if she continues on her current trajectory.
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Blending into the Oklahoma Culture
Patty Gasso has built Oklahoma’s dynasty on more than talent. The Sooner culture revolves around family, faith, and fierce accountability. Milloy has embraced that with open arms.
She’s forged quick bonds with teammates, many of whom have taken her under their wing. She’s also been a vocal presence in community service events, media days, and team-building retreats — displaying maturity far beyond her years.
> “I feel like I’ve been here for years already,” Milloy laughed. “Everyone’s embraced me, pushed me, and helped me grow.”
She credits Coach Gasso and the entire coaching staff for creating an environment that fosters growth without fear.
> “There’s pressure, sure,” she said. “But it’s the good kind. The kind that reminds you of what you’re capable of.”
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Looking Ahead: The Legacy Tia Milloy Hopes to Build
When asked what kind of legacy she wants to leave at Oklahoma, Milloy doesn’t hesitate.
> “I want people to say that I gave everything — every practice, every game, every rep. That I respected the name on my jersey, that I never let up, and that I honored the players who came before me.”
Her goals are high: multiple national championships, All-American honors, and perhaps one day, a place in Oklahoma’s softball Hall of Fame. But more than accolades, Milloy wants to be known for her work ethic, leadership, and love for the game.
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Final Thoughts: A Star Is Born
Tia Milloy’s journey is only just beginning, but already, the signs are clear. Oklahoma has added a rare gem — a player with athletic gifts, a sharp mind, and a heart that beats for the game.
In a program that has produced legends, Milloy seems destined to write a chapter of her own. And as the 2025 season approaches, fans in Norman — and across the country — should be watching closely.
Because make no mistake: Tia Milloy didn’t just arrive at Oklahoma. She’s ready to lead it into the future.
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