Twitter Reacts: Oklahoma athletic director announces plans for Patty Gasso statue
We are witnessing a living legend at the helm of Oklahoma Sooners softball. Patty Gasso just won her seventh national title, sixth in the last 10 years and third in a row in an historic season for the Sooners.
She was already the highest-paid coach in collegiate softball, helping not only build a dynasty in Norman but grow the sport of softball nationally. Now, the living legend will be immortalized.
Speaking at the Oklahoma Sooners national championship celebration, Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione shared the University of Oklahoma will build a statue for Gasso in 2024.
“And I get emails and social media posts and people stopping me. ‘When are we going to dedicate a statue for Patty Gasso?”‘ Castiglione said. “So, y’all, we do things, you try to keep it secret for a while, but you just won’t let us keep a secret. So tonight, I’m just breaking it out. We’re gonna have a statue for coach Gasso next year!”
𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐄 🐐@SoonerAD | 📺 » https://t.co/AHZGTKwfOC pic.twitter.com/JnOHTXHrU4
— Oklahoma Softball (@OU_Softball) June 10, 2023
“We have built a program for the ages on the rock that Patty Gasso brought to Oklahoma, so it’s only going to be fitting that we’re gonna have a statue for coach Gasso next year,” Castiglione said.
When she finally took to the podium, coach Gasso struggled to find the words. “I’m honored,” the legendary coach said as she choked back tears Saturday night during a celebration of the Sooners’ latest national title. “It’s the first time you guys can be silent. I haven’t heard you so silent.”
The Sooners plan to play their first home game of 2024 in the new Love’s Field, which could also be dubbed, “The House that Patty Built.” Presumably, when the Sooners move into their new digs, there will be an attraction outside honoring their living legend.
Bennie Owen, Bud Wilkinson, Barry Switzer and Bob Stoops helped create the legend that is Oklahoma Sooners football, Gasso is the architect of Oklahoma Sooners softball.
While she’d tell you it’s the players that are the foundation of the team, and that’s true, there’s been one constant at the head of the table for this program during its seven national titles and countless Big 12 championships. And that’s Gasso.
Here are some of the best reactions from Twitter.
OU has an advantage, but not the one people think
“People want to say that @OU_Softball has an unfair advantage, and I would agree—because we have Patty Gasso.”
— Taylor Maples (@t_maples) June 10, 2023
How big should the statue be?
My initial rendering of a Patty Gasso statue pic.twitter.com/iXQhUR55og
— Blinkin (@blinkinriley) June 11, 2023
The GOAT
IT’S HAPPENING!!! IT’S HAPPENING!!! Patty Gasso is getting her long overdue statue next year!!! 🐐🐐🐐 https://t.co/VA6oOoM9hO
— #1 Patty Gasso fan (@Nattys4Patty) June 11, 2023
The House that Patty Built is catching on
🥎 Love’ Field…
The 🏠 the 🐐 built.
Patty Gasso immortalized with a statue.
So fitting.
— Charlie (@CharlieS_TFB) June 11, 2023
Is it big enough?
When I think of Patty Gasso eventually getting a statue this is roughly the size I’m thinking. pic.twitter.com/DdbEpQubyA
— Travis J Davidson (@TravisSkol) June 9, 2023
It's going to break the internet
When is the pre-sale on tickets for the Patty Gasso statue unveiling
— The Dad formerly known as Tyler (@Rickman98) June 11, 2023
The time is now
It’s time to admit Patty Gasso is the best College Softball Coach ever….
— Head Coach of Athletics Mercado NTX (@Bigjaybird_1973) June 11, 2023
Patty at the Podium
Touching moment as Patty Gasso takes the podium and immediately gets emotional. pic.twitter.com/pZguQqp9z6
— SoonerScoop.com (@SoonerScoop) June 11, 2023
Nobody deserves it more
Patty Gasso statue finally happening. Well deserved! 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/BeXRN9JI4G
— Logan Meyer (@Logmey92) June 11, 2023
No words
PATTY GASSO STATUE!!!!!!!
— WCWS THREEPEAT/NLL CHAMPIONS warrior (@danicanalini) June 11, 2023
She deserves it
PATTY GASSO IS GETTING HER STATUE BOIIIII😩🥹😭 #WellDeserved
— Darian Jackson (@darianj19) June 10, 2023
Coach of the Decade
Joe Harroz reminds the crowd that Patty Gasso was the co-Big 12 Coach of the Year. Adding, “I don’t believe it.”
— Carey Murdock (@CareyAMurdock) June 10, 2023
Unbelievable Scene
90 degrees, no problem—packed house to celebrate @GassoPatty & her special (and unapologetic, joyful, faithful) team – #Boomer☝🏼 pic.twitter.com/qpYw4pSXHQ
— Leah Beasley (@leahkbeasley) June 11, 2023
A parade of champions
Chris Plank says Sept. 9, before #Sooners football matchup vs. SMU, there will be an inaugural parade of champions to honor both the softball and women's gymnastics title teams.
— Ryan Aber (@ryaber) June 11, 2023
An incredible coach, and even better human
Patty Gasso's accomplishments on the field are just a part of what's made her a fantastic coach.
It's the stuff that happens off the field that will have the much longer and more important impact. And that makes her an incredible human.
She's a woman that deserves this honor.
— Locked on Sooners (@LockedOnSooners) June 11, 2023
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