Sooner Legacy Continues: Nicole May Appointed Associate Head Coach at Oklahoma Softball in Monumental Homecoming
Norman, Oklahoma – June 29, 2025
In what many are calling one of the most heartfelt and legacy-defining moves in college softball this decade, the University of Oklahoma has officially announced the appointment of former star pitcher Nicole May as the new Associate Head Coach of the Sooners softball program. The announcement has sent ripples of excitement throughout the college softball world, uniting fans, alumni, and players in what feels like a poetic return of one of Oklahoma’s fiercest competitors and most respected leaders.
This groundbreaking move was revealed on Monday morning in a packed press conference at the Marita Hynes Field media room, where OU Athletics Director Joe Castiglione, outgoing head coach Patty Gasso, and a visibly emotional Nicole May stood side by side to announce the new era of Sooner Softball.
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️ A Sooner Through and Through
Nicole May, who pitched for the Oklahoma Sooners from 2021 to 2024, was known for her relentless spirit, precision on the mound, and uncanny ability to perform under pressure. She played an instrumental role in securing multiple national championships during Oklahoma’s dominant dynasty years under Coach Gasso. Her legacy in crimson and cream is etched into the very fiber of the program, with records in ERA, strikeouts, and postseason wins that remain etched into NCAA history.
May finished her collegiate career with a 1.52 ERA, over 600 strikeouts, and an astounding 94–12 record. She was a three-time All-Big 12 selection, two-time NFCA All-American, and known for her deadly riseball and unshakable poise during the Women’s College World Series. But beyond the numbers, May was a born leader — a role model both on and off the field.
Now, just one year after beginning her coaching career as an assistant at Cal State Fullerton, May is returning to the team that shaped her, stepping into a role of great responsibility and even greater promise.
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Passing the Torch: Patty Gasso’s Final Years and May’s Rise
Though head coach Patty Gasso has not announced any immediate plans to retire, insiders suggest that Nicole May’s appointment is a clear indicator of succession planning within the program. Gasso, who has been at the helm for nearly three decades and has built OU Softball into the most dominant force in college sports, has often spoken of the importance of legacy.
“I’ve always believed that greatness is not just about winning games, but about leaving something behind for those who come next,” Gasso said during the press conference, visibly proud. “Nicole May embodies everything this program stands for. Her dedication, her work ethic, her respect for the game — she is Oklahoma Softball through and through. I couldn’t think of a better person to help lead us into the future.”
Gasso, who boasts seven national championships and a coaching resume unmatched in modern softball, will continue to serve as head coach, but May will take on more substantial leadership duties starting with the 2025–2026 season. This includes running fall practices, managing pitching staff development, overseeing recruiting strategy, and representing the program at national coaching clinics.
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May’s Vision: A New Chapter Begins
At just 24 years old, Nicole May is one of the youngest associate head coaches in NCAA Division I softball. But her youth is viewed as a strength, not a weakness. During her speech, May struck a chord with fans and media alike, sharing heartfelt reflections on her journey and hopes for the program’s future.
“This is home,” May said, voice cracking with emotion. “This is where I grew up — not just as a player, but as a person. Everything I know about excellence, hard work, and sisterhood, I learned right here. It’s an honor to return and help guide the next generation of Sooner greats.”
She continued: “My goal is simple — to continue the legacy, protect the standard, and pour into these athletes the same way my coaches once poured into me. I know the expectations. I welcome them. We’re not just building players here. We’re building champions for life.”
May will immediately begin duties with the coaching staff this summer, including working with rising ace Rylee Denton and incoming freshman pitching phenom Taylor Brooks, both of whom cited Nicole May as an inspiration during their recruitment.
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A Cultural Fit and a Recruiting Force
May’s return is not only an emotional win for the Sooner community but also a strategic move. Her relatability, recency in the game, and elite player pedigree are expected to resonate with recruits nationwide. Already, top 2026 and 2027 prospects have expressed excitement about May’s presence on staff. A former California prep standout, she brings deep ties to West Coast talent pipelines, opening wider recruiting channels in key softball hotbeds like Southern California, Arizona, and Nevada.
OU recruiting coordinator Tiare Jennings, another Sooner legend and former teammate of May’s, expressed her full support: “Nicole is a game-changer, period. Her presence will energize everything — from recruiting to player development to the everyday culture. She’s been in those cleats. She knows what it takes.”
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A Broader Trend in Women’s Sports
May’s appointment also reflects a broader trend in NCAA sports: the rise of former elite players quickly ascending into influential coaching roles. Much like Skylar Diggins-Smith mentoring at Notre Dame and Monica Abbott consulting with Team USA pitching staffs, May represents a generational shift in softball — one where young women are taking the reins of leadership at elite programs, faster than ever.
“It sends a powerful message,” said ESPN analyst and former Olympian Jessica Mendoza. “We’re seeing a new era of coaching leadership where women like Nicole are not just being brought in for PR or sentiment — they’re being trusted with the future of dynasties. That’s a big deal.”
