ESPN NEWS: Patty Gasso Named the Best Softball Coach in the World: Surpassing Legends like Carol Hutchins, Mike Candrea and Margie Wright, ” This recognition comes after a career filled with unparalleled accomplishments and a remarkable rise to the top of the sport…. read full epic news details below…

In a historic and well-deserved recognition, ESPN has named Oklahoma Sooners head coach **Patty Gasso** as the **best softball coach in the world**, placing her above iconic figures such as **Mike Candrea, Carol Hutchins**, and **Margie Wright**. This distinction is more than just a title—it’s a tribute to a coaching career defined by excellence, dominance, and transformation.

For three decades, Gasso has been the architect of one of the most powerful dynasties in NCAA history. Her leadership at the University of Oklahoma has not only produced a staggering number of wins but has elevated the national profile of women’s college softball.

Patty Gasso took over the Oklahoma softball program in 1995. At the time, the Sooners were far from the juggernaut they are today. With a fierce commitment to excellence, discipline, and a player-first mindset, Gasso transformed OU softball into a model of consistent dominance.

As of 2025, Gasso has amassed a coaching record of **1,515–352–2**, giving her a staggering .811 winning percentage—**the highest in Division I softball history among coaches with over 1,000 wins**. She has led the Sooners to eight NCAA national championships** (2000, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024), tying Arizona’s Mike Candrea for the most in the history of the sport.

Her teams have made **17 Women’s College World Series appearances** under her leadership, and not once in her 30-year tenure has OU failed to qualify for the postseason. That level of sustained success is unheard of in any sport, at any level

To be named the best in the world in a sport rich with legends is no small feat. Coaches like **Mike Candrea**, who led Arizona to eight national titles, and **Carol Hutchins**, who remains the winningest coach in NCAA softball history, have long been held as the standard. **Margie Wright**, a trailblazer at Fresno State, also helped shape the modern era of the game.

But what sets Gasso apart, according to ESPN’s evaluators, is not just her record—it’s her ability to evolve, motivate, and sustain a championship culture in an era where parity in softball has grown significantly. Her recruiting acumen, tactical brilliance, and focus on player development have allowed Oklahoma to remain at the top in a competitive field that includes perennial SEC and Pac-12 powerhouses.

Gasso’s legacy extends well beyond wins and championships. Her players often speak about how she prepares them not just to compete, but to lead—on the field, in the classroom, and in life. She places a strong emphasis on mental strength, accountability, and faith, which has made her not just a coach but a mentor to countless young women.

Many of her former players have gone on to play professionally or represent the U.S. national team. Her influence is evident throughout the sport—from youth leagues to the pros—and her coaching tree includes numerous successful coaches across the country.

Adding to her accolades, Gasso was recently named **head coach of the USA Softball Women’s National Team** for the 2025–2028 Olympic cycle, including the **2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles**. Her appointment marks a new era for Team USA, as she becomes the first woman in over a decade to lead the national program.

This new role further cements her status as a global ambassador for the sport. With her at the helm, the U.S. is expected to reclaim its dominance on the international stage.

Being named the best softball coach in the world is the crowning achievement of Patty Gasso’s legendary career—but if her past is any indication, she’s not done yet. Whether it’s leading OU to another national title or guiding Team USA to Olympic gold, Gasso continues to set the standard for what greatness looks like in softball.

In a sport where excellence is measured in wins, leadership, and legacy, Patty Gasso now stands alone at the top. And

she earned every step of the climb.