Her humble origins eventually lead her to become the Sooners’ coach. During her “ups and downs” as a coach, she overcame early self-doubt to win six national titles (so far).
It is worth recounting the odd account of Patty Gasso’s arrival in Oklahoma and her near-death experience over two decades ago, especially on the eve of another Women’s College World Series.
With six national titles in the bag (and overwhelming favorites to win a seventh), as well as an NCAA winning run of 48 games without a loss under their belt, it is easy to forget that Gasso and OU were not always hall of famers and softball Goliaths.
Growing up in a Southern California single-parent household in the 1970s, Gasso “knew nothing” about Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma City, or the blissful peak where softball would eventually take her.
After leaving Torrance, she attended Long Beach State and El Camino City College to play collegiate softball.
The legacy then started, essentially without her awareness.
Gasso stated to AllSoonners in 2020, “I knew I wanted to be a teacher and a coach, and growing up, through high school, there still was not a ton of collegiate softball near me.” “I did not play travel ball or anything similar. My plan was to become a high school coach and teacher after possibly being able to play in college.
In reality, Gasso started off as a basketball coach. She soon became a high school softball coach. She began coaching at Long Beach City College in 1990, five years later.
