Why Patty Gasso felt 'very lucky' coaching both USA softball teams in International Cup
Devon Park looked like a Fourth of July celebration Sunday night.
Red and blue jerseys stood side by side across the infield after the final out, waving to the loud crowd dressed in the same patriotic colors.
Then all 36 athletes gathered around Patty Gasso, the lone white shirt in the huddle.
While a berth in the International Cup gold medal game was on the line, Sunday night’s matchup between the U.S. Women’s National Team and U.S. Elite Team became a celebration of USA softball and the legacy head coach Gasso continues to build.
It’s no coincidence the U.S. has two teams in this tournament advancing to the medal rounds. Even playing against each other, both teams showcased why they are among the best softball athletes in the world.
“We saw some pretty elite pitching and just some big timely home runs,” Gasso said. “It was good softball, and I was proud of both teams.”
The USWNT defeated the U.S. Elite Team 6-2. But the result mattered little as players from both teams left the field smiling.
“We honestly were just focusing on playing free,” U.S. Elite outfielder Bubba-Nickles Camarena said. “We talked about being in the red today. There was just such a fun dynamic that this team brings to the field, and I really think it’s a testament to the culture that USA Softball is building as a whole.”
Gasso, in addition to her legendary Sooner coaching career, has been involved with the USWNT since 2018. Now the program’s head coach for the 2025–28 cycle, she savored the rare opportunity to coach all 36 players competing for Team USA.
“They just make me love doing it,” Gasso said. “I just look forward to every hitter that comes up because they can do so many great things, and then you’re watching pitchers that are just really doing some great things back to minimize their offense.”
Gasso spent the entire game in the third base coaching box. Between half innings, she jogged back and forth from one huddle to the next, never staying in either dugout for more than a minute.
“I was very lucky. It goes by very quickly,” Gasso said. “I’ll stand on my feet for days if I could watch something like that.”
The night carried even more significance for Gasso with her family in attendance. Her daughter, Grace, threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
“She was forced to do that probably,” Gasso said with a laugh. “It was awesome.”
Her husband was by her side, along with her son JT, who is an USWNT assistant coach, and her daughter-in-law Andrea Harrison, who is a former UCLA softball All-American.
“It’s a family dream come true to be to be quite honest,” Gasso said. “These are elite moments. I think we just kind of play it real chill, but it’s unbelievably special.”
The Oklahoma City crowd erupted in celebration of Gasso and her family that continues to shape the sport.
Fans will have one more chance to watch both U.S. teams as they compete for medals on Monday at Devon Park. The U.S. Elite Team will face Canada at 3 p.m. in the bronze medal game.
“This elite team is going to walk away with a bronze,” Gasso said. “We’re trying to sweep these medals tomorrow.”
The premiere event of the tournament will feature No. 1 Japan against the No. 2 USWNT at 7 p.m. The sport’s two powerhouse nations will meet for gold at the same venue that could potentially see a rematch on the 2028 Olympic stage.
“We’ve gone through a long week,” Gasso said. “But with USA on your chest and Japan waiting on the other side, if you can’t get fired up for this, you don’t belong here.”
Amanda Avila is a sports intern for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Amanda? She can be reached at aavila@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @avilaonair. Support Amanda’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Why Patty Gasso felt ‘very lucky’ coaching both USA softball teams in International Cup
