Oklahoma softball coach Patty Gasso gets to lead best in United States

It's only right the best softball coach in the country also gets to coach the best players in the United States.

USA Softball announced on Monday that Oklahoma coach Patty Gasso will be the head coach of the USA Softball Women's National Team in 2025-28, including the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Gasso has ben involved with USA Softball in different capacities, but never as head coach.

“It is truly a remarkable moment in my career and a dream come true to be asked to coach Team USA,” Gasso said in a statement in USA Softball's announcement. “This is the highest honor I could ever receive, and I’m humbled by and thankful for the confidence USA Softball has in me. I have an intense passion to make Team USA the best it can be to help win the gold medal in 2028.”

There's little argument that Gasso is not only the greatest active coach in softball, but also probably in the sport's history. Entering her 31st season leading the Sooners, Gasso has led OU to eight national championships between 17 Women's College World Series appearances. OU has also never missed the postseason under Gasso's direction.

Last season, the Sooners claimed their fourth national title in a row, becoming the first program to ever accomplish the feat.

Most of Gasso's success has come in the Sooners' own backyard in Oklahoma City, the softball capital of the world. Fittingly, Gasso's highest honor will also take place in the same stadium.

The Olympic committee announced in June that Oklahoma City will host softball and canoe slalom, instead of Los Angeles. Just like she does annually at this point, Gasso will again try to lead a team to a championship at Devon Park, home of the Women's College World Series.

The 2028 Olympic Games are scheduled to start July 14. In the meantime, the Sooners have four seasons to get through between now and then.