The first-ever Parade of Champions is scheduled for Saturday afternoon.

NORMAN – Embodied with OU enthusiasm, featuring iconic elements like the Sooner Schooner and the Pride of Oklahoma Drumline, the University of Oklahoma Athletics Department is organizing its first-ever Parade of Champions on Saturday afternoon before the OU football game against SMU.

Modeled after festivities seen at Super Bowls, World Series, and NBA Championships, OU’s Parade of Champions will commemorate the Sooners’ triumphs in conferences, national competitions, and even on the global stage throughout the past year. Highlighted in the parade will be the 2023 national champion women’s gymnastics and softball teams, alongside NCAA outdoor heptathlon champion Pippi Lotta Enok. Also recognized will be OU’s women’s basketball, women’s tennis, and men’s golf teams for their 2023 Big 12 team titles, along with the track and field teams for their numerous individual conference event victories.

The parade, open to the public without charge, will commence at 2 p.m. CT at Baked Bear on Campus Corner and proceed south on Asp Ave. until reaching Oklahoma Memorial Union.

The women’s gymnastics team secured its second consecutive and sixth overall national championship in 2023, setting program records along the way. Notably, Olivia Trautman claimed the vault national title, becoming the eighth Sooner to earn an individual crown. Additionally, the team clinched its 14th Big 12 championship title.

Softball clinched its third consecutive and seventh overall national title, boasting a season highlighted by a record-breaking 53-game win streak and an impressive 61-1 overall record. The 2023 Big 12 champions remained undefeated in conference play, securing their 11th consecutive regular season league crown.

In a significant achievement, the OU women’s basketball team secured its first Big 12 championship since 2009. The team also earned its seventh regular season title, with five athletes garnering all-league honors.

The women’s tennis team achieved back-to-back victories, securing its second consecutive Big 12 regular season title in 2023. Advancing to the round of 16 in the NCAA Tournament, senior Layne Sleeth finished as the NCAA singles runner-up.

For the second consecutive year, the men’s golf team emerged as the champions of the Big 12 Conference, securing their third Big 12 title under head coach Ryan Hybl. Demonstrating dominance throughout, the Sooners claimed victory by 18 strokes.

Track and field experienced an outstanding 2023 season, capturing a total of 13 conference championships. Notably, the team set 14 school records, including a remarkable heptathlon performance by Lotta Enok, earning her the NCAA outdoor national title.

OU head rowing coach Sarah Trowbridge and senior Lale Edil brought home a world championship in the Women’s 8+ category at this year’s U23 World Rowing Championships in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.

The OU football game against SMU is set to begin at 5 p.m. CT at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Ticket information can be found here.