The Oklahoma Sooners softball program isn’t just a dynasty—it’s a phenomenon. Year after year, Patty Gasso’s squad reloads, dominates, and raises the bar for excellence in college athletics. But in 2024, as the Women’s College World Series unfolded, the Sooners faced stiff competition from powerhouse programs like Tennessee, Florida State, and BYU—all hungry to dethrone the queens of the sport. So when ESPN analyst Kadey McKay was pressed to pick a champion before the postseason began, she didn’t hesitate: Oklahoma was her choice. Not because of blind faith in the Sooners’ legacy, but because of two undeniable factors that set them apart from every other contender.
The first reason? **Culture.** Not just any culture, but the kind of championship DNA that can’t be replicated. Oklahoma doesn’t just win—they win with a mindset that borders on inevitability. McKay pointed to the way the Sooners handle pressure, the way they respond to adversity, and the way they elevate in the biggest moments. While Tennessee brought explosive power, Florida State boasted elite pitching, and BYU rode the wave of a Cinderella season, Oklahoma had something intangible: an unshakable belief that they were built for this stage.
McKay highlighted the leadership of veterans like Jayda Coleman and Tiare Jennings, players who had been through the fire before and knew what it took to finish. “When you watch Oklahoma, you don’t see panic,” McKay explained. “You see a team that knows how to win tight games, that thrives when the lights are brightest. Other teams have talent, but the Sooners have a championship psyche.” That mentality was on full display in the WCWS, where Oklahoma repeatedly snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, never buckling under the weight of expectations.
The second reason? **Patty Gasso.** McKay didn’t mince words: “There’s no better coach in the sport, period.” Gasso’s ability to adapt, adjust, and outmaneuver opponents is unparalleled. While other programs have elite talent, Gasso maximizes every ounce of it. McKay pointed to Oklahoma’s situational hitting, their defensive adjustments, and the way Gasso manages her pitching staff as evidence of her genius. “She doesn’t just recruit stars—she builds complete players,” McKay said. “And when the game is on the line, you can bet she’s two steps ahead of the other dugout.”
That coaching edge was critical in Oklahoma’s battles against Tennessee’s power bats and Florida State’s dominant arms. While other teams relied on individual brilliance, the Sooners operated as a seamless unit, executing with surgical precision when it mattered most. McKay noted that in close games, Oklahoma’s discipline at the plate and defensive fundamentals often made the difference—a direct reflection of Gasso’s system.
Beyond the X’s and O’s, McKay emphasized the emotional component of Oklahoma’s success. “They play with joy,” she said. “There’s a looseness to them, even in high-pressure moments, because they trust each other and their process.” That intangible quality—having fun while dominating—was something other contenders couldn’t quite match. Tennessee played with fire, Florida State with grit, and BYU with heart, but Oklahoma combined all of it with an almost effortless confidence.
In the end, McKay’s prediction proved correct. The Sooners hoisted another national championship trophy, further cementing their place as the standard in college softball. And while Tennessee, Florida State, and BYU all had compelling cases as title threats, McKay’s two reasons—culture and coaching—were the deciding factors. Oklahoma didn’t just have the best players; they had the best team. And in a sport where pressure defines legacies, that made all the difference.
For anyone doubting the Sooners’ staying power, McKay’s analysis serves as a reminder: until someone proves otherwise, Oklahoma isn’t just the team to beat—they’re the team that knows how to win. And that’s why, when the stakes were highest, Kadey McKay didn’t hesitate to pick them.
