Patty Gasso, the legendary head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners softball team, has cemented her legacy as one of the greatest figures in collegiate softball history. With numerous national championships, countless player accolades, and a culture of excellence cultivated over decades, Gasso’s voice carries tremendous weight in the sport. Recently, she was asked to name the “Mount Rushmore” of Oklahoma softball—a symbolic selection of the four most impactful and defining figures in the history of Oklahoma softball. This task was no easy feat for a coach whose career has been intertwined so deeply with the program. Yet, with her characteristic insight and respect for the sport’s history, Gasso delivered a thoughtful and inspiring answer that not only honored past and present but also gave fans and players a sense of the rich tradition that Oklahoma softball represents.
Oklahoma softball’s rise to national prominence is a story marked by perseverance, skill, and leadership, with Patty Gasso at the center of it all since she took over the program in 1995. Under her guidance, the Sooners have transformed from a good team in a competitive conference to a perennial powerhouse and a dominant force on the national stage. The foundation of that success is reflected not just in team achievements but also in the individual talents and leaders who have passed through Norman, Oklahoma.
When Gasso was asked to name the Mount Rushmore of Oklahoma softball, she immediately focused on four figures who exemplify the program’s values: leadership, dedication, skill, and the ability to inspire teammates and fans alike. Each choice reflected a different era and aspect of the team’s history, illustrating the evolution of Oklahoma softball and the enduring spirit that defines it.
First on her list was the legendary Lisa Carey, one of the earliest stars of Oklahoma softball and a player who helped lay the groundwork for the program’s future success. Carey, who played for the Sooners in the late 1980s, was an outstanding hitter and defensive force, known for her work ethic and leadership on the field. She set standards for excellence that future players would strive to meet, and her influence is still felt in the culture that Gasso has built over the years. Carey was a player who brought passion and grit to the team, characteristics that are now synonymous with Oklahoma softball.
Next, Gasso highlighted Jennifer Stewart, a pitcher who became a symbol of resilience and competitive fire during her time at Oklahoma in the mid-1990s. Stewart’s dominance on the mound was a key reason the Sooners became a contender nationally. She was a fierce competitor who brought intensity and focus to every game, traits that helped the Sooners earn their first College World Series appearances. Stewart’s legacy is one of mental toughness and unrelenting determination—qualities that have become hallmarks of Oklahoma’s pitching staff ever since.
The third figure named to the Mount Rushmore was Keilani Ricketts, a player whose name is synonymous with Oklahoma softball excellence. Ricketts, who played from 2009 to 2012, is often regarded as one of the greatest softball players in NCAA history. A two-time USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year and two-time national champion, Ricketts dominated both offensively and defensively, earning her place among the elite of the elite. Gasso spoke about Ricketts with reverence, noting her ability to lead by example and inspire those around her. Ricketts’ impact extended beyond statistics; she was a cornerstone of the team’s culture and helped Oklahoma cement its place at the top of college softball.
Finally, Gasso’s Mount Rushmore would be incomplete without mentioning one of the current stars of the program, Jocelyn Alo. Alo represents the new generation of Oklahoma softball—dynamic, powerful, and charismatic. She has shattered numerous records during her time with the Sooners and has brought excitement and visibility to the program on a national scale. Gasso described Alo as a transformative figure who has pushed the team to new heights and inspired younger players to dream big. Alo’s presence on the Mount Rushmore symbolizes the ongoing legacy and bright future of Oklahoma softball.
What is remarkable about Gasso’s selections is the way they encapsulate the entire spectrum of Oklahoma softball’s history—from pioneering players to modern-day superstars. These four figures together tell the story of a program that has continuously evolved while holding fast to its core principles. Gasso’s choices were not just about athletic ability or accolades but also about character, leadership, and the ability to elevate the entire program.
Beyond the players, Patty Gasso herself is an integral part of this Mount Rushmore narrative. While she did not include herself in the list, her impact as a coach cannot be overstated. Since taking the helm in 1995, Gasso has led the Sooners to multiple national championships and helped shape the program into a model of sustained success. Her philosophy emphasizes hard work, team unity, and mental toughness—traits embodied by the four figures she named. Gasso’s leadership has fostered a culture where talent is nurtured, and players are motivated to achieve their best both on and off the field.
In addition to her coaching achievements, Gasso’s role as a mentor and advocate for women’s sports has been invaluable. She has used her platform to promote the growth of softball nationally and to inspire young athletes to pursue their dreams. Naming the Oklahoma softball Mount Rushmore was not just an exercise in honoring the past; it was also a reminder of the responsibility carried by current players and coaches to uphold the program’s standards and continue its legacy.
The significance of this Mount Rushmore goes beyond Oklahoma. It reflects the broader evolution of collegiate softball, a sport that has grown tremendously in popularity and competitiveness. Oklahoma softball’s rise parallels the increasing visibility and professionalism of women’s sports, and figures like Lisa Carey, Jennifer Stewart, Keilani Ricketts, and Jocelyn Alo have been at the forefront of this movement. Their achievements have inspired countless young players nationwide, demonstrating the power of dedication, skill, and leadership.
Fans of Oklahoma softball have welcomed Gasso’s Mount Rushmore with enthusiasm and respect. For longtime supporters, the list serves as a trip down memory lane, recalling some of the greatest moments in the program’s history. For newer fans and players, it is a source of inspiration and a reminder of the high standards they are expected to uphold. The Mount Rushmore also highlights the unique contributions each player has made, encouraging an appreciation for the diverse talents and personalities that have shaped the team.
Moreover, the naming of the Mount Rushmore helps to bridge generations of Oklahoma softball players. It celebrates the continuum of excellence that connects past, present, and future. In a sport where teamwork and tradition are paramount, recognizing these key figures helps maintain a sense of identity and pride. For players currently on the roster, knowing they are part of a program with such a rich heritage can be a powerful motivator.
Patty Gasso’s thoughtful approach to naming the Oklahoma softball Mount Rushmore also reflects her broader coaching philosophy. She understands that success is not measured solely by wins and losses but by the impact a program has on its players and community. By honoring these four athletes, Gasso emphasizes values that go beyond the scoreboard: leadership, perseverance, passion, and the pursuit of excellence.
In the years to come, the Mount Rushmore of Oklahoma softball will likely continue to evolve as new stars emerge and new chapters are written in the program’s storied history. However, the four figures named by Patty Gasso will forever remain symbols of what Oklahoma softball represents. They are reminders of the hard work, dedication, and talent that have made the Sooners a dominant force in collegiate softball.
In closing, Patty Gasso’s naming of the Oklahoma softball Mount Rushmore is a powerful tribute to the program’s history and future. Through Lisa Carey’s pioneering spirit, Jennifer Stewart’s competitive fire, Keilani Ricketts’ all-around excellence, and Jocelyn Alo’s transformative presence, the Sooners’ legacy is clearly defined. These four women embody the very best of Oklahoma softball, representing the grit, skill, and heart that have driven the program to greatness.
As fans, players, and coaches reflect on this Mount Rushmore, they can find inspiration and motivation to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Patty Gasso’s words remind us all that greatness is not just about individual achievements but about contributing to something larger—a tradition of excellence that lasts for generations.
Oklahoma softball’s Mount Rushmore, as named by Patty Gasso, stands not only as a celebration of outstanding athletes but as a beacon for the future. It calls on all those who wear the crimson and cream to strive for greatness, to lead with courage, and to uphold the proud legacy of one of the most successful programs in college sports history.
