Oklahoma Sooners Unveil New Patty Gasso Statue and Renew Original One: A Timeless Tribute to the Greatest Coach in NCAA Softball History…
By Staff Writer |
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Norman, Oklahoma — In a stirring and emotional ceremony held outside Marita Hynes Field, the University of Oklahoma officially unveiled a brand-new statue of Head Coach Patty Gasso while simultaneously announcing the restoration and relocation of the original statue built in her honor years ago. The move, widely hailed as one of the most powerful tributes to a living coaching legend, underscores the university’s enduring gratitude and respect for the woman who built a dynasty and redefined excellence in NCAA softball.
A crowd of over 5,000 fans, alumni, players—both current and former—and university officials gathered to witness the grand moment that cements Coach Gasso’s legacy not just in Oklahoma history, but in the history of college athletics across the country.
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A Legacy Worth Carving in Stone
Patty Gasso has long been a household name in the realm of collegiate sports. Since taking the reins of the Oklahoma softball program in 1995, she has led the team to unprecedented heights: seven NCAA national championships, numerous Women’s College World Series appearances, and more conference titles than any other coach in Big 12 history. Her record-breaking win percentages, coaching milestones, and elite player development have all contributed to her status as one of the greatest coaches not only in softball but in any sport.
But more than the trophies and accolades, what stands out is her character: a blend of faith, resilience, leadership, and fierce love for her athletes. For nearly three decades, Coach Gasso has inspired thousands—on and off the field—and transformed OU into the epicenter of college softball.
The new statue, standing over 10 feet tall and cast in bronze, captures Gasso in a powerful stance: one hand on her hip and the other holding a softball lineup sheet, eyes gazing forward with a look of determination that Sooner fans have come to know all too well.
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A Dual Tribute: New Beginnings and Honored History
This new statue now stands proudly at the heart of the newly redesigned “Legacy Plaza” outside Marita Hynes Field, which also features engraved bricks from former players, quotes from Coach Gasso, and an interactive digital wall chronicling the program’s historic achievements.
Meanwhile, the original statue, unveiled nearly a decade ago, has not been retired. Instead, it has been fully restored and relocated to the university’s Hall of Champions inside the Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. There, it will reside as part of a new “Legends of OU Athletics” exhibit, which will include Gasso alongside icons like Barry Switzer, Bob Stoops, and Sherri Coale.
“The decision to build a new statue wasn’t because the old one wasn’t good enough,” said OU Athletic Director Joe Castiglione. “It was because Patty’s impact has outgrown even our wildest expectations. She is more than a coach—she’s a transformational figure in sports, in women’s leadership, and in the Sooner identity.”
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A Ceremony to Remember
The unveiling event was filled with emotion, celebration, and gratitude. The ceremony began with a video montage of Gasso’s most iconic coaching moments—walk-off wins, heartfelt speeches, and dugout celebrations—played on a giant screen behind the statue’s veil.
OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. gave opening remarks, calling Gasso “the moral compass of Oklahoma athletics” and “the heartbeat of our softball dynasty.”
Current and former players then spoke, including notable alumni like Keilani Ricketts, Lauren Chamberlain, and Jocelyn Alo. Alo, who holds the NCAA record for most career home runs, said:
> “Coach Gasso didn’t just teach us how to win games. She taught us how to win in life. This statue is more than a symbol—it’s a mirror of who we strive to be because of her.”
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Patty Gasso’s Emotional Response
Coach Gasso, clearly moved, took the stage to a standing ovation that lasted nearly three minutes. With tears in her eyes and her family by her side, she addressed the crowd with humility:
> “I’ve always told my players that the name on the front of the jersey matters more than the name on the back. Today, I’m overwhelmed that the name on this statue is mine—but make no mistake, this is a celebration of all of us. Of every woman who ever believed she was more than what the world told her. Of every girl who dared to dream.”
She went on to dedicate the statue to her late parents, her husband Jim, and her two sons, JT and DJ. Gasso emphasized her faith and the community of players and fans who have supported her through the highs and the lows.
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A Historic Moment for Women in Sports
The creation of a second statue for a living female coach is almost unheard of in collegiate athletics, a fact not lost on the attendees. Several speakers noted the broader significance of the moment, calling it a landmark tribute not only to Gasso but to women in sports leadership.
ESPN’s Holly Rowe, who emceed the event, pointed out:
> “In a world where statues are often built for men decades after retirement, today we are witnessing a cultural shift. We are honoring greatness as it unfolds—and recognizing the women who have shaped generations.”
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The Future of the Sooner Dynasty
Even as the celebration looked back on decades of excellence, there was no mistaking the forward momentum. With Gasso still actively coaching and the Sooners still sitting atop the rankings, the future remains bright.
OU has also announced plans to expand the Patty Gasso Softball Complex, with new training facilities, locker rooms, and a community engagement center set to break ground in 2026. The Legacy Plaza will serve as its emotional and symbolic center.
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Final Reflections
What started in 1995 with a quiet, determined woman who believed in building something special has become a full-blown dynasty. Now, it has also become an enduring monument.
The new statue of Patty Gasso stands not just as a tribute to victories and championships, but to courage, leadership, and belief. It will greet every player, every fan, and every young girl with dreams of the diamond—and remind them that greatness begins with character.
As the crowd began to disperse, chants of “Thank you, Coach!” echoed throughout the plaza. And as the sun set on Norman, Oklahoma, one thing was clear: Legends live forever.
And Patty Gasso is one of them.
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