The Early Years
Softball has been a part of the University of Oklahoma’s athletic program since 1975, but it wasn’t until the early 2000s that the Sooners really started to make a name for themselves in the sport. In the early years, the team struggled to find their footing and had a losing record for several seasons.
The Rise to Success
It wasn’t until the arrival of head coach Patty Gasso in 1995 that the team began to turn things around. Under Gasso’s leadership, the Sooners started to win more games and gradually climbed the rankings. In 2000, they made their first appearance in the Women’s College World Series (WCWS) and finished in third place.
The Championship Years
The Sooners continued to improve over the years and won their first national championship in 2000. They followed that up with another championship in 2013 and then won three consecutive titles from 2016 to 2018. During this time, the team became known for their dominant pitching and explosive offense.
The Players
Throughout their history, the Sooners have had many talented players come through their program. Some of the most notable names include pitcher Keilani Ricketts, who won two national player of the year awards, and outfielder Lauren Chamberlain, who set the NCAA record for career home runs.
The Records
Over the years, the Sooners have set many records and milestones in the sport of softball. Some of the most impressive include:
- Most national championships in NCAA history (5)
- Longest winning streak in NCAA history (41 games)
- Most home runs in a single season (161 in 2019)
- Most runs scored in a single game (25 vs. Texas Tech in 2019)
The Future
The Sooners are currently one of the top teams in the country and show no signs of slowing down. With a talented roster and a winning culture, they are poised to continue their success for years to come.
