Utes’ coach Paige Parker celebrates OU’s title and aims for another Utah WCWS bid
A smile spread across Paige Parker’s face as she watched her alma mater, Oklahoma, celebrate amid blue and white confetti on her TV screen.
The Sooners won the Women’s College World Series for the fourth consecutive year last week in Oklahoma City, securing their eighth national championship since 2000. Utah’s pitching coach, intimately familiar with OU’s dynasty, was a key player for the Sooners from 2015-18, leading them to two national championships and earning four All-American honors.
Even over 1,200 miles away from Norman, Oklahoma, Parker continues to support her former team and incorporates her experiences with them into her coaching at Utah.
“The relationships they build with the players is something I value,” Parker told The Salt Lake Tribune. “I’m still very close with coach Patty Gasso. The relationships and culture she creates every year are things I strive to bring to Utah.”
For the second consecutive season, Utah earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Although they did not advance to the Super Regionals, losing to South Carolina 5-1 in the Durham Regional, in 2023, the Utes made it to the WCWS for the first time since 1994 before losing to Washington and Oklahoma State.
To Parker, these steps show the Utes are moving in the right direction. Alongside head coach Amy Hogue, Parker aims to make history in Salt Lake City.
“We’re in a good spot,” Parker said. “Making it to the NCAA Tournament two years in a row is a strong start. Reaching the World Series is our goal every year. I emphasize to our athletes that work ethic and mentality are key. These past two years have laid a solid foundation for us to build on.”
Parker’s legacy endures with Gasso and former coaches. During the WCWS finals, Gasso chose to start Karlie Keeney over WCWS Most Outstanding Player award winner Kelly Maxwell, recalling a lesson from Parker’s time.
“We knew we couldn’t start Kelly,” Gasso said. “I learned from doing that with Paige Parker, and I wouldn’t do it again. It wasn’t worth it.”
Although Parker’s playing days are over, the lessons she learned from Gasso are benefiting her coaching. Now entering her fourth season as Utah’s pitching coach, Parker is preparing her staff for familiar territory as the Utes join the Big 12.
“It’s exciting transitioning into the Big 12,” Parker said. “We’ll have a younger pitching staff next year, which I’m excited about. We have talented freshmen coming in and a transfer from Salt Lake Community College. Plus, some returners who didn’t see much action last year.”
Parker also focuses on increasing fan engagement and securing more NIL deals for Utah’s players. In 2023, a record 3,023 fans attended the first-ever Salt Lake City Super Regional at Dumke Family Softball Stadium.
Parker has advocated for more player-based meet-and-greet events, which helped OU connect with fans during her playing days. Softball’s popularity is growing, evident in the 2 million viewers per game during the WCWS Finals.
“In 2024, we saw more fan engagement,” Parker said. “Fans consistently attended our games. I’ve noticed that support growing each year. Having been both a player and a coach, I love seeing that.”
This summer, the Independence, Missouri native will focus on recruiting, finding hidden gems to improve Utah’s roster. She often encounters Gasso or former pitching coach Jen Rocha on the recruiting trail, reminding her of her journey from player to coach.
For now, though, she plans to text her former coaches congratulations.
“I know how busy they are,” Parker said. “I’ll give them some time before sending a text. I’ll also see them on the recruiting trail this summer and congratulate them in person. The work ethic and relationships they build are things I aspire to achieve.”
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