Patty Gasso & Sam Landry Reflect Over “Blessed” Season

By Chase S. Tues, Jun 3, 2025

With the Sooners down to their final out Monday night in the WCWS semifinals down 2-0,

Abigale Dayton launched a dramatic two-run homer in the top of the seventh,

and Sooner Magic seemed alive once more.

Coach Gasco and Texas Tech, however, had different plans.

Texas Tech quickly put runners on the corners with one out in the bottom frame,

then Lauren Allred brought in the sacrifice RBI to walk it off for the Lady Red Raiders.

Patty Gasso was joined by her players for an emotional yet joyful opening statement in the

post-game press. Gasso described Oklahoma’s 2024 season as “a joyous ride,” reflecting on a

year that exceeded expectations.

“If you would have ever asked me… we’re standing at the World Series as one of the top three

teams left with 14 newcomers,” Gasso said during her opening statement.

In the locker room, she told her players how rewarding it was to lead them. “I shared with them how much fun

I had coaching them, watching them grow, watching them be hungry, watching them never quit,” she said.

Throughout the season, the Sooners became known for their resilience. “The amount of

extra-inning or last-inning heroics and come-from-behind wins has been something incredible,”

Gasso said, noting how often her team responded in high-pressure moments.

Despite the physical and emotional demands of the season, Gasso admitted she’s eager for

what’s next. “As much as I need a break, I’m really ready to have them come back and start over again,”

she said. “I think we learned so much, and we’re going to be that much better.”

She also emphasized that the program’s goals extend beyond championships.

“What I hope is that they learned lessons about themselves, turning from girls to women is

really important to this program… and versing them in things that will help them throughout life.”

Looking back, Gasso didn’t hesitate to rank this group among her favorites.

“It was an emotional, amazing, one of my favorite years of all time,” she said.

For senior ace pitcher Sam Landry, the loss carried a more personal weight. Landry transferred

to Oklahoma after beginning her career at Louisiana under current Texas Tech head coach

Gerry Glasco.

After the game, visibly emotional and comforted by her teammates, Landry opened up about the

process of the loss.

“As the game went on I just kept telling myself to just leave it all out there,” she

said.

When asked about her embrace with Glasco following the final out, Landry opened up fully:

“No, it's bittersweet, you know. I wished him luck going forward. I think neither one of us wanted

this to be where we met in postseason. So, um, super happy for them. That's a lot of my old

teammates, so I'm glad they're getting to experience it—I'm glad I had the experience I did here

at Oklahoma, and it was definitely God's path for me.”

When asked about his embrace with Landry post-game, Texas Tech head coach Gerry Glasco

had this to say:

“You know like I’m sorry.. I hated that we played today, I hated it.. I would rather her finish her

career against anybody besides me, and I would have rather played anybody than her to go to

the championship but we don’t control that. And that I love you, you were fantastic tonight you

were great. I’ve enjoyed watching her all year and mainly I love you.”

Part of the bond between Sam Landry and Texas Tech head coach Gerry Glasco is rooted in

shared grief. Landry was close with Glasco’s daughter, Geri Ann, who tragically passed away in

a car accident in 2019. The two first met in eighth grade, and Geri Ann became a lasting

influence on Landry’s life.

While pitching at Louisiana, Landry wore No. 12 to honor her late friend. After transferring to

Oklahoma, the number was no longer available. Still, she found a new way to carry Geri Ann’s

memory with her on the field.

“On her glove is the name Geri Ann,” ESPN’s Taylor McGregor explained during the second inning.

She texted Coach Glasco and said, “I’m still playing for Geri Ann—just in the form of

writing her name on my glove.”

Patty Gasso said she knew no one will feel sorry for her as her Sooners fell short of a 5th

straight national title, but what remained in her mind was not being able to “raise the trophy and

go celebrate down at Toby Keith’s place” for the first time in four years.

Gasso admitted her team will be claimed as “too young” again next season, but will be even more

talented and prepared for another title run.