Monumental Homecoming: Nicole May Named Associate Head Coach for Oklahoma Softball Program…
Nicole May’s return to the University of Oklahoma softball program as the new Associate Head Coach is nothing short of monumental. After an illustrious career as a standout player for the Sooners and a proven track record as an assistant coach, May’s promotion marks the continuation of a legacy that she helped shape during her time on the field. This homecoming is not just a personal milestone for May, but a significant step forward for a program that has consistently set the standard for excellence in college softball.
As the Sooners aim to remain one of the premier teams in NCAA softball, May’s experience both as a former player and a coach makes her an invaluable asset to the team. She takes over the role with a clear understanding of the culture that has propelled Oklahoma to success over the years, and now, as a key member of the coaching staff, she will help to shape the future of the program.
In an exclusive interview, May discussed her journey back to Norman, her vision for the future of Oklahoma softball, and what it means to come home to a program that she once helped lead to greatness. Her excitement, humility, and deep commitment to the university shine through as she embarks on this new chapter of her career.
Nicole May’s time at Oklahoma was nothing short of extraordinary. As a standout pitcher, she made a lasting impact on the program, earning multiple All-American honors, Big 12 championships, and a key role in Oklahoma’s 2021 Women’s College World Series victory. Her leadership on the field, her competitive spirit, and her dedication to her teammates made her one of the most respected players in college softball during her playing career.
During her tenure at Oklahoma, May was not only known for her on-field accomplishments but also for her ability to elevate the performance of those around her. Her leadership skills were evident both in the circle and in the dugout, and she helped foster a culture of excellence within the program. It is no surprise, then, that May’s transition into coaching after her playing days was seamless.
Upon graduating, May took her skills to the coaching ranks, where she quickly became an integral part of the softball community. She previously served as an assistant coach at a number of programs, gaining valuable experience in the development of pitchers and players. Throughout her coaching career, she has proven herself as a passionate, driven leader with a clear vision for success.
“I’ve always loved the game of softball, and my time at Oklahoma shaped who I am as both a player and a coach,” May said. “Being able to return to a place that has meant so much to me is an honor, and I’m excited to contribute to the next generation of players here. I’ve learned a lot during my time away, and I’m looking forward to bringing those lessons back to Norman and applying them to our program.”
Returning to Oklahoma is a full-circle moment for Nicole May. From the moment she stepped onto campus as a freshman, it was clear that she had a special connection to the program. Her time as a Sooner was defined by hard work, success, and an unwavering commitment to team goals. Now, as an associate head coach, she has the chance to pass on that legacy to the next generation of Sooners.
“This place has always felt like home to me,” May said. “Oklahoma is where I grew as a player, a person, and now as a coach. I’m truly excited to get back to where it all began, to work with the current players, and to help them achieve the same kind of success that I was lucky enough to experience.”
Oklahoma’s softball program has long been a beacon of success, with multiple NCAA titles and countless accolades to its name. The culture within the program is one of hard work, excellence, and a commitment to being the best. These are values that May is passionate about and that she aims to continue building upon as she assumes her new role.
“Being part of a program with this kind of tradition and success is a special feeling,” May said. “But what excites me the most is the opportunity to help grow the program even further. There’s so much talent here, and I can’t wait to work with our players to develop their skills and take them to the next level. We’ve built something really special at Oklahoma, and I want to make sure that we continue to push the boundaries of what we can achieve.”
May’s return is not just symbolic of her personal journey, but of the program’s continued commitment to building on its championship pedigree. Under head coach Patty Gasso, Oklahoma has become a juggernaut in college softball, and with May’s appointment, that legacy is set to grow even stronger.
As the new Associate Head Coach, May will play a key role in shaping the team’s pitching staff, as well as contributing to the development of players across all positions. Her extensive experience as a pitcher and her in-depth understanding of the game’s nuances make her uniquely qualified for this role.
Oklahoma’s pitching staff has been a cornerstone of the team’s success over the years, with dominant performances in big games and clutch moments. May’s ability to work with pitchers—helping them refine their mechanics, improve their mental game, and develop new pitches—will be critical to continuing the program’s dominance in the circle.
“I’m very passionate about working with pitchers, and I’m excited to be able to help them develop their skills,” May said. “It’s not just about throwing hard or having a good pitch, but understanding the mental side of the game. Softball is such a fast-paced sport, and pitchers need to have the ability to stay calm under pressure, read hitters, and adjust in real-time. I’ll be focusing on helping our pitchers develop that mental toughness while also refining their physical skills.”
In addition to her work with the pitching staff, May will also assist in other areas of the program, including recruitment, player development, and game preparation. Her leadership and ability to connect with players make her a natural fit for the role, and her experience as both a player and coach gives her a comprehensive perspective on what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
“I’ve learned so much from my time as both a player and a coach, and I’m excited to bring those lessons to the table,” May said. “It’s important to connect with players, to understand what motivates them and how they learn best. Every player is different, and I want to help each one reach their full potential, both on and off the field.”
Oklahoma’s softball program is widely regarded as one of the best in the country. Under the leadership of Patty Gasso, the Sooners have become a perennial powerhouse, winning multiple NCAA championships and setting the standard for excellence in college softball. Gasso’s vision for the program has created a culture of winning, and May is poised to continue that legacy as she takes on her new role.
“Patty Gasso has built something incredibly special here, and I’m fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from her,” May said. “Her leadership, her passion, and her dedication to the program are inspiring. I’ve seen firsthand the kind of impact she’s had, and I’m excited to be a part of her coaching staff. Together, we’ll continue to build on the foundation that’s been set and take Oklahoma softball to new heights.”
With May’s appointment, Oklahoma is poised to continue its dominance in the sport. Her knowledge of the program’s culture, her passion for coaching, and her commitment to player development make her an ideal fit for the role. As the Sooners look to maintain their position as one of the top programs in college softball, May’s leadership will be key in helping to shape the future of the team.
While the past few years have been incredibly successful for Oklahoma softball, the future is even brighter. With May now in place as Associate Head Coach, the Sooners are well-positioned to continue their dominance in the sport for years to come. The combination of a strong coaching staff, a deep talent pool, and an unwavering commitment to excellence gives Oklahoma the foundation it needs to stay at the top of the softball world.
“We’ve got a great group of players, and I’m excited to see what they can achieve,” May said. “We’re always striving for greatness, and I believe this team has the potential to do something really special. I’m looking forward to working with our players to help them achieve their goals and push this program to even greater heights.”
Nicole May’s return to Oklahoma is a new chapter in what has already been an exceptional career. As an Associate Head Coach, she will continue to impact the program that has meant so much to her, helping to develop future generations of Sooners and ensuring that Oklahoma remains at the forefront of college softball.
With her leadership, experience, and commitment to the sport, the future of Oklahoma softball is in good hands.
