Oklahoma Sooners softball coach Patty Gasso was honored with the 2025 Sports Impact trophy at the 12th annual K-LOVE Fan Awards. Each year, the title is awarded to a distinguished figure in the sphere of athletics, who is living their life for Christ both on and off the field.
“Mighty Name of Jesus” singer Hope Darst presented the award to Gasso, alongside newcomer Emerson Day, who was formerly a Division 1 lacrosse player. “Patty is showing the world that identity is not found in trophies, but in Jesus,” Day remarked.
When she took the stage in a formal pink gown to accept the golden ‘K,’ Gasso affirmed, “I want my players to understand that there’s more to life than winning games.” She went on to reveal how the women on her team pray with their opponents and how she uses worship music as a way to calm their nerves before big games.
The mother of two also shared that her family’s been listening to K-LOVE for more than 30 years. “What you’re doing is not just changing lives, you’re saving lives,” she said to the musicians filling the pews in front of her in the Grand Ole Opry House. “Our players are listening to your songs in our locker rooms. They’re playing your music on the bus and in our stadium. I can’t thank you enough for the beautiful music you all make.”
Gasso has created a women’s softball dynasty at the University of Oklahoma. Beginning her 31st season as head coach in 2025, earlier this year, she was named SEC Coach of the Year, guiding her team to an SEC Regular Season Championship and the SEC Tournament Championship. Additionally, as the newly appointed USA Softball Women’s National Team (WNT) head coach, she will lead the U.S. Olympic team through 2028, culminating in a trip to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
The NFCA Hall of Famer has reached the Women’s College World Series 17 times and has advanced to the postseason in each one of her coaching seasons, spanning three decades.
Under Gasso’s direction, the Sooners have won eight national championships. Additionally, as one of only three programs in NCAA history to win more than two national titles, Oklahoma remains the only NCAA softball program to secure four consecutive national championship victories. Gasso is currently looking to win an unprecedented fifth consecutive national championship in 2025.
