misty eyes, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude. After decades of walking onto the diamond wearing crimson and cream, after celebrating the euphoric highs of national championships and enduring the painful lows of tough losses, I believe it is time to speak directly to all of you—the student-athletes who have worn the jersey with pride, the fans who fill the stands with unwavering support, and the entire Sooner community who made this journey more than just about softball. It has always been about family, faith, and legacy.
This isn’t a goodbye. It’s not a retirement letter or a farewell tour announcement. But it is a reflection. A moment to pause and say: “Thank you. I see you. I appreciate you. I love you.”
Because we’ve lived something extraordinary together.
Chapter One: The Foundation of Grit
When I first arrived in Norman in 1995, the landscape was different. The facilities were modest, the expectations were manageable, and the national spotlight hadn’t yet found its way to our field. But there was potential. There was a glimmer of greatness in the eyes of the young women who laced up their cleats every day with purpose.
And there was grit. Pure Oklahoma grit. The kind you can’t coach, the kind that’s forged by heart, humility, and hard work.
Back then, I wasn’t trying to build a dynasty—I was trying to instill a standard. One of relentless pursuit of excellence. One of resilience. One where no task was too small and no dream too big.
That foundation still holds.
Chapter Two: The Rise to Glory
By the time we won our first national title in 2000, the script changed. People across the country began to realize what we already knew in Norman: Oklahoma Softball was something special. That win wasn’t just for the roster of that season—it was for everyone who had ever dared to believe that a Midwest softball program could stand toe-to-toe with the giants of the game.
And we didn’t stop there.
Multiple Women’s College World Series appearances, numerous Big 12 titles, and seven national championships later, we didn’t just enter the history books—we rewrote them.
But here’s the truth: Championships are wonderful, but they aren’t the why. They’re not the reason I kept showing up. The why was always the who—the women. The fans. The families. The community.
You.
Chapter Three: The Women Behind the Numbers
For every All-American, there was a walk-on who gave everything in practice. For every highlight-reel home run, there was a bullpen catcher grinding behind the scenes. The stats, the records, the banners hanging at Love’s Field—they all tell a story, but they don’t tell your story.
To the players who trusted me with their growth—not just as athletes, but as women—I thank you. For letting me challenge you, for holding me accountable, and for pouring your heart into every rep, every sprint, every moment under the Oklahoma sun.
To Jocelyn Alo, to Keilani Ricketts, to Lauren Chamberlain, to Tiare Jennings, to Jayda Coleman, to Kinzie Hansen, to Grace Lyons, to Nicole Mendes, to Sydney Romero—to every legend and every unsung hero: You are Oklahoma softball. You made us proud. You made us believe.
Chapter Four: To the Fans—The Greatest in the Game
I can’t think about Sooner Softball without thinking of the people in the stands.
From the first row to the berms out beyond the outfield, your energy has been electric. I’ve heard the chants echo into the Oklahoma night. I’ve seen children holding signs that read “Future Sooner,” dreaming of one day stepping into the cleats of their heroes. I’ve watched you travel across the country—from Tempe to Tuscaloosa to OKC—just to wave that OU flag high.
You didn’t just cheer—we felt you. And your impact is woven into every piece of our history.
You didn’t just build an atmosphere. You built a culture.
Chapter Five: The Meaning of Legacy
They say legacy is what you leave behind when you’re gone. But for me, it’s what you build while you’re here.
It’s not about the trophies—it’s about the transformation.
I’ve seen quiet freshmen become fierce leaders. I’ve watched tears of frustration turn into tears of triumph. I’ve witnessed lifelong friendships blossom in dugouts, weight rooms, and team buses.
If my time at Oklahoma has meant anything, I hope it’s this: That you saw a woman who led with faith, stood by her convictions, believed in her players, and always—always—honored the privilege of coaching this game.
Chapter Six: A Note on Faith and Family
My faith has anchored me through every storm and lifted me in every moment of joy. This program was never built on softball alone. It was built on the unwavering belief that when you surrender the outcome and pour everything into the process, God will do the rest.
To my family—thank you for sacrificing so much. For understanding that this wasn’t just a job—it was a calling. You shared me with this team, and in doing so, you became part of its heartbeat.
Chapter Seven: The Future is Bright
To the next generation of Sooners: Your time is now. Own your moment. Step onto that field knowing that you carry not just a legacy of greatness but also one of unity, humility, and passion.
You stand on the shoulders of giants, yes—but you also carry the torch forward.
And to my staff—our coaches, our trainers, our ops crew, our academic advisors—you are the unsung heroes. You’ve helped shape this culture from the ground up, and no title would have ever been possible without your vision, loyalty, and tireless hours of effort.
Final Thoughts: An Unbreakable Bond
So where do we go from here?
We keep building. We keep dreaming. We keep believing.
I don’t know how many more seasons I have left, and I’m not worried about that right now. What I know is this: My commitment remains as strong as ever. My love for this university, this program, and this community has only grown deeper.
There may come a day when I hang up the whistle, when I watch from the stands as the next chapter unfolds—but even then, I’ll still be a Sooner.
Because once you’re part of this family, you’re always part of this family.
So to the players, the fans, the university, and the state that embraced me: Thank you.
Thank you for letting me be part of something so much bigger than myself. Thank you for trusting me with your daughters. Thank you for every cheer, every prayer, every moment of belief.
And above all, thank you for making Oklahoma Softball not just a team—but a legacy that will echo forever.
With all my heart,
Patty Gasso
Head Coach
Oklahoma Sooners Softball
Postscript: A Message from the Heart of a Champion
As CBS News shares this letter with the world, it’s clear we’re witnessing the words of a living legend. Patty Gasso’s voice rings with sincerity, leadership, and unmatched legacy. Whether you’re a lifelong fan, an aspiring softball player, or someone hearing her name for the first time, this letter is more than a message—it’s a movement.
In Norman, Oklahoma, greatness isn’t measured only in titles but in impact. And few have impacted their sport and their community the way Coach Gasso has.
