Patty Gasso is a highly successful American college softball coach. She has been the head coach of the University of Oklahoma’s softball team, the Oklahoma Sooners since 1995 and has built a powerhouse program during her tenure.
Under her guidance, the Sooners team has triumphed in an impressive total of seven national championships across different years, specifically in 2000, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2021, 2022, and 2023. Throughout her career, she has diligently amassed a remarkable record of 1,456-345-2, resulting in an incredible winning percentage of .808.
Patty Gasso Biography & Wiki
Patricia Marie Froehlich, originally hailing from Los Angeles, was raised in the charming city of Torrance, California. Her passion for softball blossomed during her time at California State University, Long Beach, where she honed her skills on the field. Additionally, Gasso showcased her expertise as a softball coach at Long Beach City College from 1990 to 1994, leaving an indelible mark with an impressive overall record of 161–59–1.
Real Name | Patricia Marie Gasso (née Froehlich) |
Popular As | Patty Gasso |
Birth Date | May 27, 1962 |
Age | 62 Years |
Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
Birth Place | Los Angeles, California |
Nationality | American |
Profession/Occupation | Head Coach (Softball) |
Patty Gasso Age
Patty Gasso was born on May 27, 1962. Therefore, as of the current date in June 2023, Patty Gasso would be 61 years old.
Patty Gasso Career
In her impressive 29-year tenure at the University of Oklahoma, she has amassed an exceptional record of 1,395–344–2, boasting a remarkable winning percentage of .802. Under her guidance, her teams have achieved remarkable success, qualifying for the Women’s College World Series on fourteen occasions and securing the national championship title a staggering seven times in the years 2000, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2021, 2022, and 2023. Her winning percentage of .802 is the highest among all Division I college softball coaches with a minimum of 1,000 career victories.
In 1999, the University of Oklahoma triumphed in the Big 12 Conference, marking their third championship in five years. However, financial hardships threatened to disrupt her tenure after the 1999 season. Reflecting on those challenging times, Gasso commented:
“Finances were tight, and my husband, Jim, had actually returned to California as it was difficult to find employment here at that time. So there I was, raising our two children while simultaneously dedicating myself to coaching a demanding Division-I softball program that required immense time and energy.”
Despite her husband’s departure, Gasso chose to remain in Oklahoma for the 2000 season. That year, her team achieved an exceptional record of 66 wins and 8 losses, culminating in a resounding victory over UCLA with a score of three to one in the Women’s College World Series, securing the university’s first national softball championship.
Following their national triumph in 2000, the University of Oklahoma rewarded Gasso with a substantial salary increase, enabling her husband to return to Oklahoma. Over the subsequent 12 years, Gasso transformed the Sooners into a dominant force in collegiate softball, consistently winning over 40 games each season. The 2001 team concluded with an impressive 50 wins and 9 losses, while the 2007 team concluded with a remarkable record of 55 wins and 8 losses.
In 2012, Gasso’s team reached the finals of the Women’s College World Series, although they narrowly missed securing the national championship, succumbing to Alabama in a closely contested series. Nonetheless, the 2012 season concluded with a commendable 54 wins and 10 losses. In late June of the same year, the Oklahoma University Board of Regents extended Gasso’s contract through the 2017 season, further solidifying her position.
In recognition of her extraordinary contributions to the sport, Gasso received the prestigious honor of induction into the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Hall of Fame in 2012.
A significant milestone in Gasso’s career arrived on March 15, 2015, when she achieved her 1,000th win as the head coach of Oklahoma in an emphatic victory over East Carolina.
On June 6, 2017, Gasso and the Sooner softball team achieved an extraordinary feat by sweeping Florida in the national championship, securing Gasso’s second consecutive national championship and fourth overall.
Continuing her legacy of success, on June 10, 2021, Gasso’s Sooners emerged victorious over Florida State in the national championship, marking Gasso’s fifth national softball championship and adding another remarkable achievement to the school’s storied history.
On June 8, 2022, Gasso’s Sooners triumphed over the University of Texas in the national championship, further solidifying Gasso’s remarkable legacy and securing the school’s sixth national softball championship.
Most recently, on June 8, 2023, Gasso’s Sooners claimed another national championship title by defeating Florida State, further etching Gasso’s name in the annals of softball history and bringing
Patty Gasso Height, Weight & Measurements
Height | 5’7″ (170 cm) |
Weight | 60Kg (132 lbs) |
Body Measurements | Not Available |
Eye Color | Brown |
Hair Color | Blond |
Family & Personal Life
Gasso is married to Jim Gasso, and they have two sons, JT and DJ. Jim Gasso has been supportive of Patty’s coaching career and has often been seen cheering on the Oklahoma softball team during their games.
Father | Richard Froehlich |
Mother | Janet Froehlich |
Siblings | One sister, Cindy Froehlich |
Husband | Jim Gasso |
Children | Two (JT Gasso & DJ Gasso) |
Patty Gasso Net Worth
As of 2023, her net worth is estimated to be $7 million. Gasso’s net worth is largely the result of her success as an American Softball Coach. She has led the Sooners to five national championships, including four in a row from 2013 to 2016. She has also been named the National Coach of the Year four times.
In addition to her coaching salary, Gasso also earns money from endorsements and speaking engagements. She has endorsement deals with Nike, Rawlings, and Gatorade. She also speaks at conferences and events around the country.
Patty Gasso Salary 2023
Oklahoma’s Patty Gasso holds the distinction of being the highest-earning coach in collegiate softball across the nation.
Following her team’s remarkable achievement of securing their sixth national title in 2022, Gasso inked an unprecedented contract extension with the Sooners that will keep her at the helm until 2028.
Just Women’s Sports has reported that Gasso’s recent contract extension with the Sooners has elevated her annual salary to $1.625 million, inclusive of incentives. This places her in a tie for the second-highest-paid coach in both softball and baseball, alongside Mike Bianco of Ole Miss baseball. Topping the list is Tim Corbin of Vanderbilt, earning over $2 million annually.
Gasso’s previous substantial contract extension dates back to 2017 when she secured a deal valued at over $1 million. The announcement of her latest agreement took place during a meeting of the Oklahoma University Board of Regents in September 2022.
Patty Gasso Contract Details
According to a report from JWS, Gasso’s contract includes a base salary of $300,000, which marks a $20,000 raise compared to her previous salary of $280,000. The university will be responsible for paying her base salary. In addition to that, there will be an extra $825,000 allocated from private funding. However, this amount is subject to change as it will increase annually on July 1, with a $50,000 increment. This increase already represents a $130,000 surge compared to previous records.
But that’s not all.
As reported by Tusla World, Gasso will receive an additional $200,000 as a stay benefit and bonus, paid out on February 1 every year throughout the contract’s duration. Furthermore, on July 1, 2022, an extra $300,000 was added to a supplemental retirement income plan for her, which will further increase to $400,000 this July 1.
And there’s more to mention.
Sports Illustrated states that if the Sooners secure another national championship, Gasso will be rewarded with a performance bonus of $150,000.
Patty Gasso Accomplishments and Honors
Patty Gasso is one of the most successful softball coaches in NCAA history. She has led the University of Oklahoma to five national championships, including four in a row from 2013 to 2016. She has also been named the National Coach of the Year four times.
In addition to her on-field success, Gasso has also been recognized for her leadership and commitment to softball. She is a member of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame and a recipient of the Honda Award, which is given to the top female college athlete in the country.
Here is a list of Patty Gasso’s accomplishments and honors:
- 7× Women’s College World Series (2000, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2021, 2022, 2023)
- 15× Big 12 regular season (1996, 1999, 2000, 2009, 2012–2019, 2021–2023)
- Big Eight regular season (1995)
- 9× Big 12 Tournament (1996, 2001, 2007, 2010, 2017–2019, 2021, 2023)
- 5× NFCA National Coaching Staff of the Year (2000, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2022)
- 10× NFCA Central Regional Coaching Staff of the Year (2012–2019, 2021, 2022)
- 3× Speedline/NFCA Midwest Region Coaching Staff of the Year (1999–2001)
- C.Vivian Stringer Coaching Award (2017)
- CCCAA Coach of the Year (1992)
- NFCA West Regional Coach of the Year (1992)
- 15× Big 12 Coach of the Year (1996, 1999, 2000, 2009, 2012–2019, 2021–2023)
- National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2012)
Gasso is a true pioneer in women’s sports. She has helped to make softball one of the most popular sports in the country and has inspired countless young women to play the game. She is a role model for coaches and athletes alike and is a true legend of the sport.
FAQ’s
Is Patty Gasso the highest-paid softball coach?
Patty is the highest-paid collegiate softball coach in the country.
Is Patty Gasso Married?
Yes, Patty Gasso is married to Jim Gasso.
Does Patty Gasso have a daughter?
No, Patty has two sons, JT and DJ.