NORMAN — OU softball’s seniors received a surprise from Joe Castiglione during an event celebrating the team’s consecutive national championships. At Love’s Field on Saturday evening, speeches were given by various figures including OU President Joseph Harroz Jr., Castiglione, Norman Mayor Larry Heikkila, head coach Patty Gasso, and co-captains Kinzie Hansen and Tiare Jennings, all reflecting on the team’s latest achievement.
Following Castiglione’s address, the athletic director presented his gift to the seniors, who stood near the third base line. He emerged from the dugout accompanied by three goats, symbolizing the senior class as the greatest of all time.
“Real recognize real,” Castiglione remarked as he led the goats out on their leashes.
The class of 10 seniors from the Sooners has undeniably made a lasting impact on the program’s history. Among these seniors, five — Rylie Boone, Jayda Coleman, Hansen, Jennings, and Nicole May — achieved the remarkable feat of winning four consecutive national titles.
Castiglione’s message could also be seen as a nod to Gasso, who secured her eighth national championship on Thursday night.
“They give it their all,” remarked Gasso regarding her 2024 team. “They have a genuine dedication to the University of Oklahoma, the program, and each other.”
Numerous expressions of gratitude were warranted after the season’s journey. Gasso expressed her appreciation to her team, the administration, and her coaching staff for their dedication throughout a season that saw the inauguration of the new $47.9 million stadium, with a seating capacity of 4,200. The season also saw challenges, such as the snapping of the program’s 71-game winning streak by Louisiana on the same weekend. Gasso also took a moment to acknowledge the devoted fan base that filled Love’s Field for every game in 2024.
“Thank you for packing the stadium,” Gasso expressed. “Thank you for your belief in this team. Thank you for investing, probably significantly, in tickets at the Hall of Fame stadium to witness yet another national championship win. Your passion is changing the game, and for that, I am truly grateful.”
As Jennings approached the lectern, the palpable emotions of everyone on the field were evident. Despite her plans to return as a graduate assistant alongside Hansen and Karlie Keeney next season, Jennings tenderly bid farewell to her teammates.
“What a journey it has been with this team,” Jennings expressed to her fellow players. “You all are incredible. While the championships hold significance, the bonds we’ve formed mean even more to me. I love each and every one of you with all my heart.”
Just before the unveiling of the eighth championship banner in left field, Gasso hinted at her thoughts on the number nine. Since the conclusion of Game 2 of the Women’s College World Series finals, Gasso and her staff have wasted no time and have already begun the recruitment process.
Gasso reiterated on Thursday night her excitement about coaching the next season’s OU softball team, but she left the loyal fans at Love’s Field with a note of caution. While acknowledging that the Sooners will undergo significant changes in 2025, she assured them that they will always have a chance with one of the greatest of all time leading the way.
“Please be patient with us as we bid farewell to our 10 seniors,” Gasso urged. “We are committed to rebuilding and creating something extraordinary.”
