say ‘you’re the best’. So to be the best, you have to outwork the best. And that’s what our motto is, so I’m out recruiting constantly. I don’t take a break. When you need a break is right after the World Series, and that’s when camp happens, recruiting happens, transfer portals happen, go out and travel all over the country recruiting, and then you’re finishing up around August and here comes your team back and ready to roll. And we are running on empty, so it’s a big sacrifice. It takes a lot to want to stay there, but I’ve got a great group of coaches and support staff that allow us to do it and have fun doing it. I’ve done this so long, so it doesn’t feel like a job to me. It’s my passion.” For Gasso, academics are important. Her players have received academic all-conference honors and been named Academic All-Americans. Gasso’s honors include Big 12 Coach of the Year, named a Top Five Division I head coach by Softball America, and induction to the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. Softball is a family affair, carrying on the commitment to family modeled by her mother. From the early days of coaching to the Hall of Fame career Gasso has built with the Sooners, her family always has been her biggest cheerleaders. While some encourage from the sidelines, others are integral members of the coaching staff. The Gasso family is all for one and one for all, regardless of the demands or schedules, allowing dreams realized for legendary coach Patty Gasso. 3939 35