Oklahoma Coach Says Faith ‘Revolution’ Is Sweeping Sports ‘Lives Are Changing’
One of the most successful coaches in women's softball history says a faith-driven "revolution" is sweeping the sports world as athletes embrace Christianity and discover a supernatural peace that transforms how they compete.
Oklahoma head coach Patty Gasso has built the Sooners into a dynasty with eight Women's College World Series championships and 18 WCWS appearances while leading her team with a bold faith that has proved contagious. It's not uncommon for her players to thank Jesus and reference their faith in postgame interviews, as evidenced by then-team captain Grace Lyons, who said in a 2023 postgame interview, "The only way that you can have a joy that doesn't fade away is from the Lord."
Gasso was recognized for her faith with this year's Sports Impact award at the K-Love Fan Awards.
"There's a revolution," she said of the growing number of players in all sports who are finding solace in faith -- and speaking out about it.
"I see it, I feel it, and their lives are changing, where the nerves are gone, because they know the end is written, and if the end is written, 'Why am I nervous? He gave me these gifts -- let me play.'"
Gasso made the comments during a press conference at the K-LOVE Fan Awards, observing that too many athletes are weighed down by expectations and anxiety. Faith, she said, is the remedy.
"That's really where I'm trying to help take them because it's really not a fun, enjoyable sport if you can't play it the way you know how," she added.
Gasso is in her 31st year at Oklahoma but hasn't always been outspoken about faith. That changed one year when her team lost in the WCWC championship, and her husband urged her to thank God, win or lose.
"I was at a press conference where we lost in the national championship game, and he … challenged me to give glory to God," she said. "And this is before I was very comfortable speaking out loud. So I'll never forget that moment when I said, 'Whether we win or lose, we'll always give glory to God.'"
The press showed little interest in her faith-centered remarks, eager instead to hear about the game. But in that moment, she realized she could speak openly about her faith -- with surprisingly little pushback.
"That day changed my life and allowed me to speak the truth. And our players see that in me. And they're learning. I'm trying to teach young girls how to be women, but women of faith as well."
Asked how she wants to be remembered off the field, Gasso responded, "My hope is that they'll be brave, unapologetic, sharing their faith, bringing others with them, just standing boldly for the Lord."
Without faith, Gasso said, sports in today's world can be overwhelming. Too many athletes, she said, try to find their identity in their performance.
"That's really what I'm trying to do -- is just make them understand they're so much more than just an athlete."
WATCH: Legendary Softball Coach Patty Gasso Talks Winning Sports Impact Award
Legendary Softball Coach Patty Gasso Talks Winning Sports Impact Award | 2025 K-LOVE Fan Awards from GodTube Music on GodTube.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/K-Love/Josiah Weiss
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published June 02, 2025.
