Breaking News: Patty Gasso Shocks Fans by Winning Naismith Coach of the Year – Critics Say It’s the “Upset of the Century”
In what many are calling the most surprising twist in sports awards history, legendary University of Oklahoma softball coach Patty Gasso has been named the Naismith Coach of the Year—an honor exclusively associated with men’s and women’s college basketball. The unexpected selection has sent shockwaves through both the basketball and softball communities, leaving fans stunned and critics demanding answers.
The Naismith Coach of the Year Award has, for decades, stood as one of the highest honors in collegiate basketball coaching. Named after Dr. James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, the award is deeply rooted in the sport’s history and tradition. So when the announcement broke that a softball coach—even one as decorated as Gasso—was the 2025 recipient, social media erupted.
“What’s next, giving the Heisman to a volleyball player?” tweeted one user. Others were more supportive, with one fan writing, “If you dominate your sport like Gasso has, you deserve every accolade out there—even if it’s from a different sport.”
Patty Gasso’s résumé is nearly untouchable. Since taking the reins at Oklahoma in 1995, she has turned the Sooners into a softball dynasty, leading them to eight national championships, including a historic four-peat from 2021 to 2024. Her teams have shattered records for wins, batting averages, ERA, and overall dominance. But what truly sets Gasso apart is her consistency—year after year, her program remains at the top, often by a wide margin.
Still, the decision to award her a basketball honor has raised eyebrows. A Naismith spokesperson attempted to clarify the situation in a press release, stating:
> “In 2025, the Naismith Awards Committee expanded its criteria to recognize transformational coaching leadership across collegiate athletics. Patty Gasso was selected for her extraordinary influence, cultural impact, and coaching excellence that transcends sports boundaries.”
While the explanation makes sense to some, many within the basketball world feel blindsided. Notably, coaches like Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma were considered front-runners for this year’s women’s basketball award. Their fans argue that selecting someone from a completely different sport undermines the integrity of basketball’s most prestigious coaching award.
“If this is about recognizing greatness across sports, then create a new award,” said one anonymous NCAA coach. “Don’t take something that’s meant to honor basketball’s best and turn it into a cross-sport popularity contest.”
Despite the backlash, Gasso herself remains humble and composed. In her acceptance speech, she said:
> “This recognition is not about me stepping into another sport’s spotlight. It’s about women’s sports being recognized at the highest levels—regardless of the field or court. I’m honored and humbled.”
The controversy has also reignited conversations about how women’s sports are valued, and whether traditional awards systems need an overhaul. Some analysts believe this could be a turning point for greater cross-sport recognition, while others argue it’s simply a publicity stunt.
Regardless of which side you’re on, one thing is undeniable: Patty Gasso’s coaching greatness cannot be ignored. Whether it’s on the softball diamond or in a basketball arena of accolades, her legacy continues to grow—and now, more unexpectedly than ever.
