Oklahoma softball is once again being celebrated for its season, which included a new achievement.
Last season, the Sooners were recognized for their record-breaking performance, featuring the longest win streak and a third consecutive title. This year, the Sooners made history by becoming the first softball team to win four consecutive National Championships.
The University of Oklahoma softball team has been nominated for two ESPY awards at the 2024 ESPYS Presented by Capital One. ESPN announced the list of nominees on Wednesday, and fans can now vote on ESPN.com/ESPYS. The 2024 national championship team is nominated for Best Team, marking the fourth consecutive year the program has been a nominee in this category. Senior outfielder Jayda Coleman is nominated for Best Play for her walk-off home run against Florida in the Women’s College World Series.
The 2024 ESPYS will be broadcast live on Thursday, July 11 at 7 p.m. CT on ABC from Los Angeles.
Additionally, the Oklahoma softball coaching staff was named the 2024 ATEC/NFCA Division I National Coaching Staff of the Year by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association on Thursday. This is the third consecutive year they have received this award, which is voted on by NCAA DI member head coaches.
BEST TEAM
Regarding their “Best Team” nomination, the Sooners achieved their NCAA-record fourth consecutive national championship this season with a 59-7 (.894) overall record and a 22-5 mark in Big 12 play. This impressive record gave the Sooners the highest win/loss percentage of the season. OU’s inaugural season at Love’s Field saw a record attendance of 108,156 (an average of 4,326 per game) and a flawless 5-0 postseason at their new venue.
The Sooners secured 27 run-rule victories and 23 shutouts, with a 38-6 record against Power Five opponents. Oklahoma led the nation in wins and on-base percentage, and ranked in the top five nationally in various statistical categories, including home runs, batting average, shutouts, slugging percentage, doubles, fielding percentage, and OPS.
A nation-leading five Sooners were named NFCA All-Americans, nine received All-Big 12 honors, and five were selected for the WCWS All-Tournament Team, including the Most Outstanding Player, pitcher Kelly Maxwell.
