In what many are calling a monumental and emotional return to the roots of one of college softball’s greatest dynasties, Nicole May has been officially named Associate Head Coach of the Oklahoma Sooners softball program. The announcement, made on June 29, 2025, was met with widespread celebration across the college softball world as fans, alumni, and former teammates rejoiced in the return of a Sooners legend—this time, in a leadership role that promises to shape the future of the sport.
This move is not just about bringing back a former player. It’s a full-circle moment—an elite athlete turned coach, a champion turned mentor, and a legacy builder returning to the very place where her dreams first came true. In many ways, Nicole May’s appointment is the symbolic bridge between the past glory of the Patty Gasso era and the exciting dawn of a new generation of Sooner dominance.
A Sooner Through and Through
Nicole May first became a household name in Norman as a fiery freshman in 2021, when she played an integral role in helping the Sooners win their fifth national title. Over her three years in crimson and cream, she built a résumé that most collegiate athletes could only dream of: multiple Women’s College World Series appearances, two national championships, and a personal win-loss record of 50–6 with a career ERA under 2.00.
May wasn’t just a pitcher—she was a culture carrier. Known for her relentless work ethic, composure under pressure, and unshakable competitive edge, she became a model of the “Sooner standard” that Coach Patty Gasso spent decades cultivating. Teammates looked to her not just for performance, but for leadership. She was, in every sense, born to coach.
From Player to Coach: A Meteoric Rise
After finishing her playing career, May quickly entered the coaching ranks, earning an assistant position at the University of Utah in 2024. Though young, she instantly made waves.
Utah’s pitching staff flourished under her guidance. The Utes posted their lowest team ERA in over a decade and made an unlikely run to the NCAA Super Regionals. Analysts praised May’s knack for simplifying complex mechanics and her ability to connect with athletes on a personal level—something that set her apart from more seasoned coaches. It was clear: Nicole May had already begun crafting her own coaching legacy.
What she lacked in years of experience, she made up for in relatability, expertise, and an innate understanding of how elite softball is played and taught at the highest level.
A Perfect Fit for a New Era
When Patty Gasso announced earlier this year that she would step back from daily head coaching duties and take on a senior advisory role within the program, the question quickly arose: Who would help lead the Sooners into this new chapter?
While Gasso’s son, JT Gasso, was elevated to head coach, Oklahoma knew it needed more than just familiar faces—it needed leaders who lived and breathed Sooner softball. Nicole May was a natural choice. She understood the system, had thrived in it, and was already becoming a rising star in the coaching world.
By bringing May back as associate head coach, Oklahoma is signaling that it intends not just to preserve its dynasty but to strengthen it through continuity, passion, and alumni-driven leadership.
What Nicole May Brings to the Staff
1. Pitching Pedigree
Few programs have been as dominant in the pitching circle as Oklahoma, and May’s return only enhances that legacy. She brings firsthand experience of performing on college softball’s biggest stage and a modern approach to pitching development. Her ability to work alongside Oklahoma’s longtime pitching coach Jennifer Rocha gives the Sooners an unrivaled brain trust for developing elite arms.
2. Recruiting Power
May’s reputation as a champion and a relatable young coach is already generating buzz among recruits. Her deep ties to California and the West Coast travel softball scene offer a significant recruiting advantage. She’s expected to be a major force in bringing top-tier pitchers and all-around athletes to Norman for years to come.
3. Emotional Intelligence
What truly sets May apart is her understanding of the Sooner culture—one rooted in accountability, unity, and joy. She was part of locker rooms that held each other to the highest standard while building lifelong friendships. Her emotional intelligence, empathy, and ability to lead through connection make her the ideal mentor for this generation of Sooners.
JT and Nicole: A Dynamic Duo
The chemistry between head coach JT Gasso and associate head coach Nicole May is already evident. Both were mentored by Patty Gasso and share her values of excellence, preparation, and humility. They are also forward-thinkers, deeply committed to evolving the program to meet the demands of the modern game.
Where JT brings years of offensive strategy and player development, May will lead the charge in defensive coordination and pitching strategy. Together, they form a complementary and dynamic leadership duo ready to carry the Sooners through the SEC gauntlet and into the next chapter of championship contention.
Reactions from the Sooner Family
The announcement of May’s appointment sent shockwaves of joy through the Oklahoma softball community.
Patty Gasso, now serving in an advisory capacity, said:
“Nicole represents everything we’ve built here—grit, grace, and greatness. To see her return home is one of the proudest moments of my career.”
Former teammate Jordy Bahl, now in the professional ranks, added:
“Nicole always had that coaching gene. Even as a player, she was the one who kept us locked in. Oklahoma just made the smartest hire in softball.”
Fans flooded social media with photos of May in her playing days and welcome-back messages filled with hope and excitement. The announcement wasn’t just about a new coach—it was about reaffirming the identity of Oklahoma softball.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
Nicole May returns to a program that’s still riding high. In 2025, the Sooners reached the WCWS semifinals despite a young roster and an ultra-competitive SEC schedule. The team went 52–9 and claimed the SEC regular season title. Now, with top recruits incoming and a renewed coaching staff, the expectations remain sky-high.
Challenges:
- Navigating the growing strength of the SEC, especially against powerhouses like LSU, Tennessee, and Florida.
- Balancing traditions with innovation in a post-Gasso system.
- Mentoring a new generation of players through the intense spotlight that comes with wearing the interlocking “OU.”
Opportunities:
- Continued national dominance and pursuit of a fifth consecutive national title.
- Further integration of alumni into the coaching and support staff.
- Building the next great era of Oklahoma softball with young, dynamic leadership.
The Face of the Future
At just 24 years old, Nicole May is now one of the youngest associate head coaches at a Power Five program. But her youth is not a liability—it’s an asset. She brings a deep understanding of today’s athlete, a modernized vision for coaching, and the trust of both administration and players alike.
Her presence gives players someone who knows exactly what it means to wear the Sooner jersey—not just on the field but in the community and in life. She has felt the pressure, lived the championship moments, and now she’s here to help others create their own.
A Return That Means More
For many programs, bringing back a former player is a feel-good gesture. But in Oklahoma, it’s more than that. Nicole May’s return is a declaration that the Sooners are built to last—not because of tradition alone, but because of the people who uphold it.
Her appointment comes at a time when college athletics is shifting rapidly. With NIL, the transfer portal, and changing dynamics across conferences, consistency and culture are harder than ever to maintain. May, alongside JT Gasso, brings both—grounded in values, elevated by vision.
Final Thoughts: A Legacy Reborn
Nicole May’s homecoming is nothing short of historic. She returns not just as a former player or a respected assistant—but as a rising coaching icon who will now help shape the program that shaped her.
This is the kind of story that defines college sports at its best. A student-athlete who poured her heart into her team, left to sharpen her skills, and came back to lead the next generation. Her story is only just beginning, but already it reads like a legend.
Oklahoma Softball is once again in championship hands—familiar hands. And the future, with Nicole May now on the staff, is as bright as ever.
Welcome home, Coach May. The circle is complete—and Sooner Magic lives on.
