Oklahoma Sooners Unveil New Patty Gasso Statue and Renew Original One: A Timeless Tribute to the Greatest Coach in NCAA Softball History…
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Oklahoma Sooners Unveil New Patty Gasso Statue and Renew Original One: A Timeless Tribute to the Greatest Coach in NCAA Softball History
In a momentous celebration of excellence, legacy, and enduring impact, the University of Oklahoma has unveiled a brand-new statue of legendary softball coach Patty Gasso, while also restoring and rededicating the original monument erected in her honor. The event marks not only a significant chapter in Oklahoma athletics but also a tribute to a figure widely regarded as the greatest coach in NCAA softball history.
The ceremony, held outside Marita Hynes Field, brought together university officials, former and current players, fans, and members of the Norman community to honor the woman who has defined a generation of collegiate softball dominance. The new statue stands taller and more detailed than its predecessor, capturing Gasso in her iconic game-day stance—focused, composed, and fiercely determined. Meanwhile, the original statue, first installed in 2017 after Gasso’s fourth national title, has been refurbished and relocated to a newly constructed garden plaza within the stadium grounds, symbolizing the roots of her monumental influence.
A Coaching Legend
Since taking over as head coach of the Sooners in 1995, Patty Gasso has transformed the Oklahoma softball program into a national powerhouse. As of 2025, she has led the team to an astounding seven national championships, over 1,500 career wins, and numerous conference titles. Her record is not just one of victories and accolades, but of building a program founded on discipline, faith, consistency, and an unwavering commitment to her athletes.
In a speech at the unveiling ceremony, Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione praised Gasso’s unmatched legacy.
“Patty Gasso is more than a coach. She’s a leader, a teacher, a mentor, and a symbol of what it means to pursue greatness with integrity. This new statue is not just a representation of her achievements—it’s a symbol of the culture she’s built here, one that will last for generations.”
The New Statue: Symbolism and Design
The new statue, created by renowned sculptor Paul Moore—whose work also includes statues of Barry Switzer, Bob Stoops, and Kyler Murray—stands nearly 10 feet tall and rests on a granite pedestal engraved with Gasso’s milestones. The bronze figure captures her in motion, glove in hand, encouraging her team from the dugout. The design was deeply collaborative, with Gasso herself involved in the process, although she remained characteristically humble throughout.
“I honestly never wanted any of this,” Gasso said at the ceremony, her voice filled with emotion. “But if it serves as inspiration to young women who want to lead, to compete, to stand for something—then I’ll accept it with gratitude.”
Moore spoke about his process, saying he aimed to capture Gasso’s intensity and warmth in equal measure. “She’s a fierce competitor but also a mother figure to her players,” Moore said. “That duality was important to reflect.”
The Original Statue: A Historical Anchor
The original statue, now beautifully restored and placed in a landscaped tribute area, remains a meaningful site for fans and players alike. Nestled among plaques, flower beds, and commemorative benches, it serves as a more intimate memorial to Gasso’s early era of success. The juxtaposition of the two statues—one looking forward, the other rooted in tradition—perfectly encapsulates the evolution of Gasso’s legacy.
“This space will become a place of reflection,” said former OU star Lauren Chamberlain. “It’s where we’ll bring our kids and tell them, ‘This is the woman who showed us how to believe in ourselves.’”
Legacy Beyond the Field
Patty Gasso’s impact isn’t confined to championships and trophies. Her leadership has elevated women’s college softball into a nationally celebrated sport, drawing record-breaking television audiences and sold-out stadiums. She has been instrumental in mentoring not only her players but also the next generation of coaches, many of whom have gone on to lead programs across the country.
Current players spoke with reverence and gratitude for their coach, many referring to her as a second mother.
“Coach Gasso teaches you how to win on the field,” said senior outfielder Jayda Coleman, “but more importantly, she teaches you how to win in life. How to hold your head high, how to work through adversity, and how to never settle for anything less than your best.”
A Program Poised for the Future
With the opening of Love’s Field earlier in 2024 and the continual growth of the program’s facilities, Oklahoma softball is entering a golden era that shows no signs of slowing down. The new statue is not just a nod to Gasso’s past, but a signpost pointing toward the program’s future—a future still guided by her wisdom and leadership.
University President Joseph Harroz Jr. underscored this sentiment during the ceremony: “Statues are meant for legends. But Patty’s legacy is alive, still being written with every pitch, every practice, every moment she invests in these young women. She is, without question, one of the most iconic figures not just in OU history, but in the annals of collegiate sports.”
A Final Word from the Coach
As the crowd applauded and the sun began to set behind the stadium, Patty Gasso took the stage once more. In typical fashion, her words focused not on herself, but on her team and her faith.
“I thank God for the opportunity to do what I love, with people I love, at a place I love. I hope this statue doesn’t just represent me—but represents every athlete who ever dared to dream big and work hard.”
And with that, the crowd rose in a standing ovation—players past and present, fans young and old, united in their appreciation for a coach whose legacy will stand tall in bronze and in memory, for generations to come.
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