“I’m ready to start coaching again,” Gasso said, explaining that…

Patty Gasso doesn’t seem like she’s ready to retire just yet, as she looked forward to the future during Thursday night’s postgame press conference.

“I’m ready to start coaching again,” Gasso stated, noting that this year was relatively easy for her, thanks to a seasoned and determined group of seniors who essentially “coach(ed) each other.”

This week, Gasso’s OU team achieved an unprecedented milestone, winning a historic fourth consecutive national championship by defeating Texas in the Women’s College World Series championship series.

As the decisive Game 2 of the finals at Devon Park neared its conclusion on Thursday night, it became evident to many that OU’s group of 10 seniors were taking their final swings and pitches.

Among these seniors, Jayda Coleman, Tiare Jennings, Kinzie Hansen, Rylie Boone, and Nicole May contributed to all four championships. The remaining five, including notable transfers Alyssa Brito and Kelly Maxwell, joined to bolster the title pursuit.

All the seniors made a significant impact that will be difficult to replace. Additionally, OU is on the brink of entering the Southeastern Conference, presenting new challenges for the Sooners’ softball program.

Despite this, Gasso remains optimistic about the emerging core of Sooners who shone in the WCWS and will lead the team in the coming years.

“I’m really excited,” Gasso said. “They are, too. This group of seniors truly left their mark. The goal is to leave the program better than you found it, and they excelled in training and mentoring the young athletes for the future.

“The future is very, very bright.”

If Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire were the “bash brothers,” then Ella Parker and Kasidi Pickering could be dubbed the “smash sisters.”

This season, Parker led OU with a .415 batting average and ranked second on the team with 62 RBIs, adding 15 doubles and 13 home runs. Pickering, meanwhile, hit .389 with nine doubles, 12 homers, and 51 RBIs.

The rookie sluggers, both named freshman All-Americans prior to the WCWS, continued their powerful performances against opposing lineups in Oklahoma City.

“I love what has happened with our freshmen,” Gasso said. “Oh, my goodness. I did not anticipate that.”

In Tuesday’s elimination game against Florida, Parker went 3-for-4 with three RBIs, igniting the scoring with a game-tying two-run homer in the first inning. Later, she was involved in a collision at second base with Gators shortstop Skylar Wallace, but continued to play and delivered the game-tying single in the sixth inning.

In Game 2 of the championship series, she concluded her freshman season with a two-RBI single in the sixth inning.

Pickering hit a crucial double off the right-center wall in the seventh inning of the win over Florida, nearly scoring the winning run before Jayda Coleman’s walk-off homer in the eighth.

In the championship series, Pickering hit pivotal home runs. Her solo shot in Game 1’s third inning helped Oklahoma lead 5-1 and in Game 2, her two-run homer in the second inning gave OU an early 2-1 lead.

Parker and Pickering were both named to the WCWS all-tournament team, affirming their roles as the program’s future stars.

“I think they both won awards tonight,” Gasso said. “They were, apparently, crying on each other. I thought, ‘What’s wrong? What just happened?’ because there was chaos everywhere. But that’s something to build on.”

Parker and Pickering are eager to continue building on their success.

“This has meant so much to me and is exactly why I came here,” Pickering told the Tulsa World after the game. “Experiencing this feeling is something I want to carry into next year.”

Both freshmen mentioned that upon arriving at OU, they aimed to absorb as much knowledge as possible from their upperclassman teammates.

Now, with that experience and a championship under their belts, they’re ready to take up the mantle.

“We know we can push forward to next year,” Pickering told the Tulsa World. “Everyone on this team is talented. We have faith in all 21 of our girls.”

The two rising sophomores won’t be alone. They weren’t the only ones who stepped up during the WCWS.

Avery Hodge was a crucial player, filling in at second base for the season’s final four games after Alynah Torres was hit in the face with a pop fly against UCLA.

Hodge hit a timely leadoff double in the sixth inning of Tuesday’s game against Florida, scoring on Parker’s single. She also demonstrated exceptional baserunning and played solid defense at second base throughout the WCWS.

In Game 2 of the championship series, Hodge’s quick thinking on a defensive play helped stifle a Texas rally.

“Her hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed, and I’m very proud of her,” Parker told the Tulsa World.

OU will also return Cydney Sanders next season, who, despite an inconsistent season, proved valuable in critical moments in Oklahoma City.

Sanders hit one of three two-run homers in OU’s opening round against Duke. Against Florida, she hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning to cut the deficit to one run. In Game 2 of the championship series, her bases-clearing double gave Oklahoma a 5-3 lead.

As a senior next season, Sanders will likely take on more leadership responsibilities with a younger team.

For those concerned about OU’s youth affecting their chances at another title, Sanders points out that many players gained invaluable experience during this championship run.

“It’s all about experience,” Sanders said. “We just gave the freshmen and Avery the experience they needed. This team is deep. I’m excited for the future.”

Pitching will be crucial for OU’s return to championship contention. With Maxwell, May, and Karlie Keeney departing, Gasso has some pitching talent to develop.

Paytn Monticelli made a key appearance on Thursday night, getting out of a bases-loaded jam in the third inning.

Kierston Deal, who pitched one inning and allowed one run, showed promise throughout the season, including in the super regional against Florida State and the first round of the WCWS.

Despite a rough outing against Florida, Deal finished the season with a 14-1 record, a 1.97 ERA, and 68 strikeouts in 78⅓ innings. She’s ready to take on a leadership role as OU’s likely ace next season.

“I’m excited to see what these underclassmen will achieve and the leadership role we’ll continue to build here,” Deal told the Tulsa World. “I couldn’t be more excited for the years to come.”

Gasso is expected to make key additions through the transfer portal, as she has in the past with players like Brito, Trautwein, Lee, and Storako.

She has already signed an eight-player 2024 recruiting class, which she described as having “so many leaders” who are “vocal,” “passionate,” and “smart.”

“We have some really outstanding future Sooners on their way,” Gasso said Thursday night.

With the combination of new recruits and current players, Gasso has much to look forward to. She is committed to taking future Sooners on another championship journey.

“I’m going to be coaching again,” the 62-year-old confirmed regarding 2025. “I’m going to rebuild this program and get it back here, hopefully.”