Patty Gasso’s conversation with OU president: We can achieve this once more
During the middle of the celebration for the Sooners’ softball national championship, I approached University of Oklahoma president Joe Harroz and remarked, “This must never get old for you.”
He grinned, clad in the freshly distributed national title T-shirt, and nodded in agreement before joining the jubilant gathering in center field at Devon Park on Thursday night.
OU stands as a dominant force in softball, marked by resounding cheers for the team as they clinched their fourth consecutive national championship.
While many of the jersey names will change with the turnover of an exceptional senior class, the Gasso name will remain in the dugout.
During my recent trip to Florida for Southeastern Conference spring meetings, I discussed OU’s integration into the conference with Harroz. Naturally, our conversation turned to the business surrounding football and the university’s status as newcomers in the league.
I also inquired about Sooners coach Patty Gasso.
“She’s remarkable. She’s captivating,” Harroz replied. “The championships speak volumes.”
Our discussion occurred before Oklahoma claimed their fourth consecutive national title and sixth overall in the last eight seasons. However, the university president went beyond the trophies that now tie Oklahoma with Arizona for the second-most in NCAA history.
“We all strive to be part of something greater, and what Patty does with her players on and off the field, their character and their purpose, they win for a reason—they play for something bigger,” Harroz remarked.
The evolution of the game has been a frequent topic of discussion. Gasso often reflects on her players starting out at the recreation fields across the street when she arrived three decades ago. Today, they compete in a state-of-the-art $48 million stadium she calls home.
There’s also the matter of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, where money flows to student-athletes, and managing egos in a divided playing time scenario.
“When you navigate all these changes in college athletics, you mustn’t lose your way; you must stay true to your North Star,” Harroz emphasized. “I believe Patty Gasso and what she’s doing embodies the essence of what we do compared to the pros, right? It’s about the social and emotional development of the whole person.
“Recruiting conversations often touch on these themes because student-athletes want to feel at home, part of a family. Everyone wants to win championships.”
“When you consider Patty’s achievements over time, it’s truly remarkable. Her impact before Title IX for women’s sports is equally impressive. Look at what her athletes have accomplished beyond softball—that’s remarkable in itself.”
Before the start of OU’s championship series against Texas last week, I spoke with parents of seniors at their tailgate. It was a poignant moment as they realized their daughters’ collegiate careers were coming to an end.
“They appreciated Patty’s guidance equally as a coach and mentor. They knew she had prepared them for life,” Harroz reflected.
“It’s rare to encounter a legend who is still actively shaping the sport.”
Harroz concluded with an anecdote from after the 2023 Women’s College World Series:
“One of my favorite moments was right after winning the last game. I gave Patty about 15 minutes with the team, then walked out to the outfield to congratulate her,” he recalled. “She looked at me and said, ‘We’ll have a chance to do this again next year. We need to recruit hard for the following year.’
