A large portion of the Oklahoma softball team lost their historic four-peat. Can the redesigned Sooners retool?
The Oklahoma Sooners softball program has, in recent years, been the gold standard in NCAA softball. The team has dominated with an unmatched blend of offensive firepower, pitching depth, and defensive excellence. Under head coach Patty Gasso, Oklahoma has not only been a perennial powerhouse but also the first team in NCAA softball history to capture four consecutive national championships—a feat that seemed almost untouchable. However, as the Sooners head into the 2024 season, a large portion of their roster has left, whether through graduation, the draft, or transfers, and the program faces a new, unfamiliar challenge: retooling.
Oklahoma’s historic four-peat run came to an end after a loss to Florida State in the 2023 College World Series (CWS), which raised questions about the program’s future. Can the Sooners maintain their dominance with a fresh crop of players? Or is it time for the program to shift gears and redefine its identity under Patty Gasso once again?
The Legacy of Oklahoma Softball’s Four-Peat
Before diving into how Oklahoma can retool, it’s essential to reflect on the monumental legacy they’ve built over the last few seasons. From 2020 to 2023, the Sooners captured four consecutive NCAA National Championships, solidifying themselves as the most dominant team in college softball. In addition to the titles, Oklahoma set numerous records: 80+ win seasons, longest win streaks, and dominating performances in the post-season. The program was headlined by superstars like Jocelyn Alo, Tiare Jennings, Jayda Coleman, and Nicole May—players who became household names in the softball world.
Oklahoma’s reign was defined by its ability to reload rather than rebuild. The team had an incredible ability to maintain a championship-caliber level of play year after year. Under Gasso’s leadership, players developed into some of the best in the country, and the culture of excellence was ingrained into every facet of the program.
The core of these teams was their explosive offense, which averaged more than 9 runs per game, their elite pitching, led by pitchers like Nicole May, Jordy Bahl, and Macey Krob, and their strong defense. Oklahoma softball was a near-perfect blend of offensive juggernauts and dominant pitching, and the Sooners were nearly invincible for a period of time.
However, as is the case in all sports, dynasties eventually face roster turnover. And for the first time in years, Oklahoma will look very different as they aim to remain at the top.
The Impact of Roster Losses
The primary factor challenging Oklahoma’s bid for another title is the significant turnover in their roster. Much of the talent that helped fuel the Sooners’ four-peat success has moved on, leaving significant gaps for the program to fill. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key departures:
- Jocelyn Alo – The face of the Sooners’ dynasty, Alo was a transcendent player, arguably the greatest hitter in NCAA softball history. Her ability to hit for power, average, and get on base was unmatched. With Alo’s departure, the Sooners lose not just a leader on the field but an offensive powerhouse who carried the team in several clutch moments.
- Tiare Jennings – As one of the top infielders in the country, Jennings was a dynamic hitter who provided power and speed. Her defensive prowess and ability to drive in runs made her a central figure in Oklahoma’s championship runs. Replacing her production, both offensively and defensively, will be one of the toughest challenges for Gasso.
- Jordy Bahl – A National Player of the Year candidate and an elite pitcher, Bahl was one of the cornerstones of Oklahoma’s pitching staff. Her dominance in the circle was a huge part of Oklahoma’s ability to close out games and limit the opposition. With Bahl leaving for the professional ranks, the Sooners lose an anchor in their pitching staff, a leader, and a game-changer.
- Macey Krob – Another key pitcher who contributed heavily to Oklahoma’s success, Krob’s departure leaves the Sooners with a void in their pitching rotation that could prove difficult to fill in 2024.
While the Sooners have faced turnover in previous seasons, the loss of this core group of players is especially significant. They’ve lost offensive production, leadership, and the key players who formed the foundation of their defense and pitching. This will require significant adjustments and may impact their ability to continue their championship-level success.
Rebuilding Around a New Core
With the departure of several key players, Oklahoma now faces the challenge of rebuilding around a new core. While the losses are substantial, the Sooners have the pieces to remain competitive and perhaps even dominant in the years to come. Let’s look at how the Sooners can retool their roster and adapt to the changing landscape of college softball.
Relying on a New Generation of Stars
While Oklahoma has lost a significant portion of its roster, they have new talent coming in that could make a big impact immediately. Players like Jada Coleman and Kinzie Hansen are now the focal points of the offense and are capable of stepping into leadership roles.
- Jada Coleman: Already one of the top players in the nation, Coleman has been a dynamic player both offensively and defensively. As a top hitter and an elite outfielder, Coleman has the ability to anchor the offense and continue the tradition of excellence in the outfield.
- Kinzie Hansen: A versatile player with both defensive and offensive skills, Hansen will likely step up as one of the leaders on the team. Having already been a key contributor during their championship runs, she will be crucial to the Sooners’ success in 2024.
Additionally, the Sooners have a strong pipeline of talent coming in. Incoming freshmen and transfers will be expected to make an immediate impact. Oklahoma is renowned for its recruiting, and even though they are losing several stars, the next generation of Sooners has the opportunity to continue building upon the program’s success.
Pitching Depth and the Importance of New Faces
While the Sooners have lost Jordy Bahl and Macey Krob, they still have one of the most promising pitching staffs in the nation. Nicole May, who was a standout in her own right during their championship runs, returns to anchor the staff in 2024. She is one of the most experienced and talented pitchers in the nation and could be poised for a breakout year as the leader of the Sooners’ rotation.
Oklahoma will also look to new faces, including Jordyn Bahl, who has shown flashes of potential, and incoming transfers who may step into significant roles. The ability to recruit and develop elite pitchers will be crucial for Oklahoma to remain competitive, and the coaching staff has demonstrated time and again their ability to mold pitching talent into national-caliber arms.
The Importance of Gasso’s Leadership and Culture
Patty Gasso has been the foundation of Oklahoma softball’s success for decades. Her ability to develop talent, maintain a championship culture, and maximize the potential of her players has been a hallmark of her coaching career. Gasso is known for her ability to motivate players to perform at the highest level and instill a sense of belief that transcends individual talent.
Her leadership, combined with her keen coaching acumen, will be crucial in navigating the post-four-peat era. Gasso will need to cultivate the new players’ talents and foster a strong team dynamic, as the Sooners adjust to a roster full of fresh faces.
Adapting to the Changing Landscape of College Softball
The NCAA softball landscape continues to evolve. More and more teams are emerging as serious contenders, making the competition fiercer. With Oklahoma entering the 2024 season without the same level of dominance that defined their four-peat years, they will need to adapt to new styles of play, deal with increased scrutiny, and potentially adjust to new NIL dynamics that are changing the landscape of recruiting.
While the Sooners have maintained an edge over the competition in recent years, it’s clear that they will need to adapt to stay ahead. As teams like Florida State, UCLA, Alabama, and Washington continue to rise, Oklahoma must retool not just on the field but in terms of their approach to recruiting, development, and game strategy.
Can the Sooners Rebuild and Retool for 2024?
Yes, Oklahoma can retool, but it won’t be an easy task. The loss of so many key players from the four-peat era presents a serious challenge. However, with Patty Gasso at the helm and a talented group of returning players and incoming freshmen, Oklahoma remains one of the most dangerous teams in the country.
While the Sooners might not dominate the way they did during their historic four-year championship run, they have the potential to remain a national contender. If they can develop their new players, maintain the championship culture that Gasso has instilled, and adjust to the changing landscape of college softball, Oklahoma will continue to be one of the most formidable teams in the sport.
The road ahead might not be as easy, but with the right leadership and development, the Sooners could very well be back on top in the near future. The challenge for Oklahoma softball in 2024 will be to retool—rather than rebuild—
by focusing on their deep recruiting pipeline, strong coaching foundation, and the next generation of stars that will carry the Sooners forward.
