Sooner Legend Returns: Nicole May Named Associate Head Coach of Oklahoma Softball Dynasty
In a move that has Sooner Nation buzzing with excitement, former Oklahoma softball star Nicole May is making her triumphant return to Norman—not as a player, but as the newly appointed Associate Head Coach of the powerhouse Sooners program. The announcement, which dropped like a thunderbolt through the world of collegiate softball, brings back a four-time national champion to the very field where she built her legacy.
For longtime fans, this is more than just a coaching hire—it’s the continuation of a dynasty by one of its own.
From the Circle to the Dugout
Nicole May’s legacy in Norman is etched in championship gold. From 2021 to 2024, she dominated the circle for Oklahoma, helping the Sooners secure an unprecedented four consecutive Women’s College World Series titles. With a career record of 60-6, a 1.75 ERA, and 421 strikeouts across 371.1 innings, May was both consistent and clutch when it mattered most.
But her impact went beyond stats. She was known for her icy composure, fierce competitiveness, and unshakable poise under pressure—a model of what it meant to wear the crimson and cream.
Now, she’ll bring all of that experience—and more—to her new role, mentoring the next generation of Sooner stars.
Patty Gasso’s Protégé Comes Full Circle
“Nicole May has always been a leader,” said legendary head coach Patty Gasso. “From the moment she arrived as a freshman, she set the tone for what excellence looked like. To now have her back on the coaching staff is not only special for me personally—it’s a huge win for this program.”
Gasso, who has led the Sooners to multiple national titles and built one of the most dominant dynasties in sports, clearly sees May as a vital piece of the program’s future. Some insiders are already whispering that this could be a succession plan in the making.
A Mentor with a Champion’s Mentality
May’s relatability to current players—having walked in their cleats not long ago—offers an unparalleled advantage. She knows what it’s like to navigate the pressures of being a Sooner, the expectations, the spotlight, and the drive for perfection. She’s lived it.
“I’m incredibly grateful to return to a program that has given me everything,” May said in a press release. “To now be able to contribute from the other side of the fence is both humbling and thrilling. I can’t wait to help these young women chase their own championships.”
Off the Field, On a Mission
Since graduating, May has stayed deeply connected to the game. She co-founded Pitcher University, where she has been mentoring up-and-coming athletes alongside Hall of Famer Kristina Thorson. She’s also been pursuing her MBA at the University of Oklahoma—blending her athletic insight with business acumen, a combination that will undoubtedly strengthen her leadership role.
Her return to Norman isn’t just symbolic—it’s strategic.
The Dynasty Reloads
As the Sooners look to reload rather than rebuild following the graduation of several key players, Nicole May’s addition to the coaching staff is expected to bring a fresh spark. The timing couldn’t be more perfect.
With recruiting battles heating up and the rest of the NCAA scrambling to catch up to the Oklahoma juggernaut, bringing in a beloved figure like May sends a message: the Sooners aren’t just holding the line—they’re extending it.
What’s Next for Nicole May and the Sooners?
While Gasso remains firmly at the helm, the inclusion of May on the coaching staff raises intriguing questions about the future of the program’s leadership. Is this a mentorship into the head coach role down the road? Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely.
For now, Sooner Nation can rest easy knowing one of its fiercest warriors is back where she belongs—with a whistle instead of a glove, but with the same fire that made her a legend.
The message is clear: Nicole May is home—and Oklahoma softball just got even stronger.
