An Honor to Jennifer Rocha: Oklahoma Sooners Softball Unveils the Statue of Award-Winning Assistant Coach Jennifer Rocha…
In a momentous occasion for the University of Oklahoma softball program, a statue was unveiled to honor associate head coach and pitching coach Jennifer Rocha, recognizing her exceptional contributions to the team’s success and her enduring legacy within the sport.
Jennifer Rocha’s journey with the Sooners began as a student-athlete from 1996 to 1998, where she distinguished herself as a pitcher. After completing her playing career, she returned to Oklahoma as a graduate assistant from 1999 to 2001. Her coaching career then took her to Oregon, Wichita State, and Florida, where she played a pivotal role in the Gators’ success, including two NCAA titles and nine Women’s College World Series appearances. In 2018, Rocha returned to her alma mater as the associate head coach and pitching coach, bringing her wealth of experience and expertise back to Norman.
Under Rocha’s guidance, the Sooners’ pitching staff has achieved remarkable success. In 2023, the team led the nation with a 0.96 ERA and a school-record 35 shutouts in 62 games, culminating in the program’s third consecutive national title. The pitching staff, including standout players like Jordy Bahl, Nicole May, Alex Storako, and Kierston Deal, combined for 460 strikeouts and held opponents to a .162 batting average. This performance earned Rocha the Easton/NFCA Division I Assistant Coach of the Year award, marking her second such honor, the first being in 2015 during her tenure at Florida.
The statue, crafted by renowned sculptor Brian Hanlon, stands as a testament to Rocha’s dedication and impact on the program. It serves not only as a tribute to her achievements but also as an inspiration to current and future players, embodying the values of excellence, commitment, and leadership that she has instilled in the team.
The dedication of the statue was a significant event for the Oklahoma softball community, celebrating a coach whose influence extends beyond the field. Jennifer Rocha’s legacy is firmly etched in the history of Oklahoma softball, and the unveiling of this statue ensures that her contributions will be remembered for generations to come.
