2 THE PROGRAM 39 PLAYERS 73 OPPONENTS 89 HISTORY Tradition ______2 Lauren Eckermann ______40 Opponents ______74 All-Americans ______90 Postseason Pride ______4 Savannah Long ______42 Big 12 Championship Bracket ___78 All-Midwest Region ______91 2000 National Championship ____6 Susan Ogden ______44 Individual Honors ______92 Big 12 Supremacy ______8 Jadyn Smith ______46 Team Records ______95 Individual Honors ______10 Traci Dickenson ______48 Career Records ______96 USA Inﬂ uence ______12 Jeannie Douglas ______49 REVIEW Single Season Records ______98 Sooner Pipeline ______13 Morgan Hudsonpillar ______50 79 Letterwinners ______100 2007 Season Review ______80 Media Attention ______14 Jessica Legendre ______51 Year-By-Year Results ______101 2007 Results ______82 Head Coach Patty Gasso ______16 D.J. Mathis ______52 All-Time Series Records ______102 Hitting Game-by-Game ______83 OU Coaching Staff ______18 Samantha Rickets ______53 Series Records ______103 Pitching Game-by-Game ______84 OU Softball Complex ______20 Amber Flores ______54 Yearly Results ______112 Overall Stats ______85 Sooner Power ______22 Iver McDonald ______55 Summer Camp/Diamond Club __123 Big 12 Stats ______86 Sports Medicine ______23 Lindsey Vandever ______56 Worth Ad ______124 Big 12 Honors ______87 The University ______24 Haley Anderson/Dani Dobbs ____57 Single Game Highs ______88 Academic Success ______26 Krystle Huey/Chana’e Jones ____58 Sooner Success ______28 Katelyn Rouppet/Wendy Trott ___59 Norman/OKC ______30 Sooners at a Glance ______60

32 MEDIA 61 STAFF INFORMATION Head Coach Patty Gasso ______62 Roster ______32 Assoc. Coach Melyssa Lombardi ___66 Schedule ______33 Asst. Coach Tripp MacKay _____67 Season Outlook ______34 Dir. of Ops Kaycee Clark ______68 Media Information ______36 Suppport Staff ______68 Media Policies ______37 President David Boren ______69 Big 12 Conference ______38 Athletics Director Joe Castiglione _ 70 Athletics Administration ______71 Head Coaches ______72

2008 MEDIA GUIDE COVERS PHOTOGRAPHY The 2008 softball guide was designed and produced by Scott Matthews Ty Russell, Jerry Laizure, Simon Hurst and Shevaun the Oklahoma Athletics Department in Norman, Okla., Williams of Shevaun Williams and Associates, John using Adobe InDesign and Adobe Photoshop. Williamson, Lisa Hall, Jason Matheson and the OU WRITERS Media Relations Files. Additional thanks to The The guide and covers were printed by Transcript Press Jessica Summers, Stephanie Turner, Matt Wilson Oklahoman, Norman Transcript, Washburn University, and distributed at no cost to the taxpayers of Oklahoma University of Temple and the National Pro Fastpitch (January 2008) CONTRIBUTORS league for supplying images and pictures used in this Kellen Coleman, Debbie Copp, Mitch Heckart, Drew guide. Kirtley, Meredith Noonan, Sheridan Samples, Stephanie GUIDE DESIGN Nike is the ofﬁ cial sponsor of the Jessica Summers Turner and Matt Wilson. University of Oklahoma softball program. 1 THREE BIG 12 REGULAR SEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS THREE BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS FIVE WCWS APPEARANCES 2008 OKLAHOMA SOFTBALL MEDIA GUIDE THE TRADITION

2007 BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONS

THE PROGRAM Winning is an attitude that permeates the entire University of Oklahoma athletics program. Championships and postseason play are synonymous with practically every Sooner sport.

Over the last 13 years, no OU program has accomplished more than the softball team. The architect - head coach Patty Gasso - needed just ﬁ ve years before she took her team to the pinnacle of the sport. And OU hasn’t dropped from elite territory since. Gasso and company have created a tradition that rivals nearly any program in collegiate softball and it has only taken 13 years. During that span, OU has averaged nearly 50 wins a season and won - on average - 70 percent of its contests. It’s no wonder the Sooners have risen to national prominence so quickly.

ALL-AMERICAN LAUREN ECKERMANN

2 2000 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 14 STRAIGHT NCAA APPEARANCES 28 ALL-AMERICANS 47 FIRST TEAM ALL-BIG 12 HONOREES 2007 BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONS

THE ARCHITECT The OU senior woman administrator at the time - Marita Hynes - took a major risk when she chose Patty Gasso to lead the softball program in 1995. Gasso was a successful junior college coach at Long Beach HEAD COACH PATTY GASSO City College without any ties to the Midwest, let alone Oklahoma.

Gasso jumped at the opportunity and immediately began attracting top athletes from each coast and everywhere in between. Players like Kansas native Lisa Carey and California native Heather Scaglione were given the chance to shine in the Sooner spotlight and are perfect examples of players from different backgrounds who have become some of the biggest names in the sport.

DEFINING MOMENT The program’s defining moment came in its first trip to the Women’s College National Champions World Series in 2000. The Sooners came away victorious. Since then, they 2000 have made appearances in five of the last eight WCWS and have become one of the most recognizable teams in the sport. 28 All-Americans 14 Straight NCAA Appearances 2000 170 Consecutive Weeks in Top 25 6 Big 12 Championships 5 NFCA All-Time Ranking

3 THREE BIG 12 REGULAR SEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS THREE BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS FIVE WCWS APPEARANCES 2008 OKLAHOMA SOFTBALL MEDIA GUIDE POSTSEASON PRIDE FIVE WCWS APPEARANCES IN LAST EIGHT YEARS The numbers tell the story of the Oklahoma softball program’s dramatic rise into elite company. The Sooners have made trips to the Women’s College World Series in ﬁ ve of the last eight seasons. No other team east of Pac 10 country had ever been to ﬁ ve consecutive WCWS until the Sooners did it.

OU qualifi ed for the national championship tournament by winning fi ve consecutive NCAA Regional Championships. During that run to fi ve straight WCWS, no team has been more effi cient in its efforts. Patty Gasso’s troops have gone 27-5 in regionals over the last eight seasons.

Since current head coach Patty Gasso stepped onto campus in 1995, the Sooners have won three Big 12 Postseason Championships, seven NCAA Regional Championships and qualiﬁ ed for ﬁ ve WCWS. That is a run that is unparalleled by any program east of Arizona and one that can only be matched by a few out west.

SOONERS KNOCK OFF UCLA FOR NATIONAL TITLE The Sooners swept through their home Regional as they defeated Harvard, Cal State-Northridge 2000 and beat Oregon State twice to make their ﬁ rst ever appearance in the World Series. The Sooner magic continued in Oklahoma City as Oklahoma opened the series with a 2-1 win over California and NATIONAL CHAMPIONS knocked off Southern Mississippi and perennial powerhouse Arizona to advance to the title game against UCLA. Using a 3-1 win over the Bruins, OU claimed its ﬁ rst national title in program history.

OKLAHOMA MAKES IT TWO STRAIGHT A year after winning the national title and becoming only the second non-West Coast team to win a 2001 softball national championship, the Sooners were back in the title hunt again. Once again, OU swept through its home regional after beating Lehigh, North Carolina and No. 12 Washington (twice) to REGIONAL CHAMPIONS advance to its second consecutive College World Series. The Sooners carried the nation’s longest winning streak into the World Sereis, but went 1-2 and were eliminated by LSU in a close 2-1 game.

SOONERS KNOCK OFF TOP-SEEDED TEXAS AND OSTERMAN The Sooners faced a tough task as they hosted the top-seeded Texas Longhorns in the Norman 2002 Regional. Oklahoma opened the Regional with victories over Utah and Texas A&M before facing Texas and Olympic pitcher Cat Osterman. The Sooners avenged a loss to the Longhorns in the Big 12 Tourna- REGIONAL CHAMPIONS ment as they scored four runs and advanced to the Regional ﬁ nals with a 4-1 win. Texas A&M knocked off Texas again and OU topped the Aggies 4-1 in the ﬁ nal to advance to its third straight WCWS.

OU TAKES GAINESVILLE REGIONAL, MAKES IT FOUR STRAIGHT Different from their ﬁ rst three WCWS appearances, the Sooners had to do it on the road as they were 2003 sent to Gainesville, Fla., for the NCAA Regional. It didn’t phase the Sooners as OU swept through the regional with the closest margin of victory being four runs. Oklahoma knocked off Bethune Cookman, REGIONAL CHAMPIONS South Florida, Texas-Arlington and Oregon State on its way to its fourth consecutive Women’s College World Series appearance.

NO. 1 ARIZONA FALLS, SOONERS ADVANCE TO ANOTHER WCWS OU faced another daunting task when it learned of its NCAA Regional schedule as it was headed to 2004 No. 1 Arizona as the No. 2 seed in the toughest regional in the tournament. Oklahoma faced the No. 1 Wildcats in the winner’s bracket and upset Arizona, 3-2. The top-ranked Wildcats were knocked out by REGIONAL CHAMPIONS Louisiana-Lafayette in the loser’s bracket fi nal. The Cajuns, who had to beat the Sooners twice, topped OU in the fi rst game but Oklahoma responded with a 15-0 run rule to advance to its fi fth WCWS. 4 2000 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 14 STRAIGHT NCAA APPEARANCES 28 ALL-AMERICANS 47 FIRST TEAM ALL-BIG 12 HONOREES 2007 BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONS

POSTSEASON ACCOMPLISHMENTS UNDER GASSO 1995 NCAA REGIONAL RUNNER UP

ALL-AMERICAN SUSAN OGDEN NCAA REGIONAL RUNNER UP 1996 BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONS

NCAA REGIONAL (THIRD) 1997 BIG 12 TOURNAMENT (THIRD)

NCAA REGIONAL RUNNER-UP 1998 BIG 12 TOURNAMENT RUNNER-UP 1999 NCAA REGIONAL

NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 2000 WOMEN’S COLLEGE WORLD SERIES REGIONAL CHAMPIONS WOMEN’S COLLEGE WORLD SERIES 2001 REGIONAL CHAMPIONS BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONS

WOMEN’S COLLEGE WORLD SERIES 2002 REGIONAL CHAMPIONS

WOMEN’S COLLEGE WORLD SERIES 2003 REGIONAL CHAMPIONS

WOMEN’S COLLEGE WORLD SERIES 2004 REGIONAL CHAMPIONS

REGIONAL CHAMPIONS 2005 BIG 12 TOURNAMENT RUNNER-UP

REGIONAL RUNNER-UP 2006 BIG 12 TOURNAMENT RUNNER-UP

2007 BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP CELEBRATION REGIONAL CHAMPIONS 2007 BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONS 5 THREE BIG 12 REGULAR SEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS THREE BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS FIVE WCWS APPEARANCES 2008 OKLAHOMA SOFTBALL MEDIA GUIDE NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

2000 NATIONAL CHAMPS The University of Oklahoma earned its first-ever softball national championship by beating UCLA, 3-1, in front of a Women’s College World Series record crowd of 8,049 at Don E. Porter Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City on May 29, 2000. The title was the first by a women’s athletic program at Oklahoma. The Sooners finished the season with the best record in the country at 66-8.

Oklahoma, the third seed in the WCWS, got on the scoreboard in the third inning with a two-run home run from All-American first baseman Lisa Carey. Freshman shortstop Kelli Braitsch then nailed an RBI single to left field later in the inning to give OU the 3-0 lead.

Jennifer Stewart earned the World Series Most Outstanding Player award, earning victories in all four of OU’s WCWS wins. Carey and Braitsch joined Stewart on the all-tournament team. OU became just the second non-West Coast team to win a softball national championship.

6 2000 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 14 STRAIGHT NCAA APPEARANCES 28 ALL-AMERICANS 47 FIRST TEAM ALL-BIG 12 HONOREES 2007 BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONS

THE SHOT HEARD ‘ROUND OKLAHOMA OU All-American Lisa Carey’s two-run home run (left) in the 2000 National Championship game instantly became the program’s greatest individual moment. The blast gave the Sooners the decisive 3-1 lead and eventually sealed the program’s first national championship. It was the second homer in as many days for the junior as her solo shot versus Arizona in the semifinals lifted the Sooners to the title game. The shot was Carey’s 20th of the year and tied the OU single-season record which was set in 1999 by Lynette Velazquez.

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP NOTES

FIRST NATIONAL TITLE WON BY A WOMEN’S 1 ATHLETICS TEAM IN OU HISTORY

THREE SOONERS WERE NAMED TO THE 3 WCWS ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM

NUMBER WORN BY PITCHER JENNIFER 5 STEWART, THE WCWS MVP

OU’S 66 WINS DURING THE 2000 SEASON 66 WERE THE MOST IN THE PROGRAM’S HISTORY

7 THREE BIG 12 REGULAR SEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS THREE BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS FIVE WCWS APPEARANCES 2008 OKLAHOMA SOFTBALL MEDIA GUIDE BIG 12 SUPREMACY

BIG 12 YEAR-BY-YEAR OU head coach Patty Gasso came on board in 1995 BIG 12 DOMINANCE and one year later the Big 12 was born. Since season No Big 12 softball member has seen that spotlight shine more brightly in its direction than the one, the Sooners have proved to be the class of the Oklahoma program. The Sooners have been on the national stage for the Women’s College conference. They won the first regular season title, they World Series in five of the last eight years. No Big 12 team has made more appearances at the were the first to 50 wins and the first to 100 wins. It’s WCWS since the inception of the conference in 1996. In fact, Nebraska and Texas are the only no wonder they lead the conference in all-time winning other teams to make more than one trip to the WCWS during that time frame. percentage. Below is a look at OU’s year-by-year record in Big 12 play. It doesn’t stop there, though. YEAR RECORD FINISH BIG 12 TOURNAMENT OU has more NFCA All-Americans than the rest of the conference. The nation’s coaches have 1996 17-5 First Champions voted 26 Sooners onto the NFCA’s elite teams since the inception of the Big 12. Only two other 1997 14-4 Second Semifinals teams - Nebraska and Texas with 12 - can claim to have double-digit All-Americans during the 1998 12-5 Second Runner-Up Big 12 era. 1999 11-3 First Quarterfinals 2000 17-1 First Semifinals The Sooners lead the pack in All-Big 12 first team selections as well. They also pace the confer- 2001 14-2 Second Champions ence in all-time winning percentage. The list goes on and on (i.e. ... postseason appearances, 2002 14-2 Second Semifinals overall record). 2003 12-6 Fourth Runner-Up 2004 11-7 Fifth Semifinals OU set the standard by winning the first Big 12 Championship in 1996. The Sooners upped the 2005 12-6 Second Semifinals ante’ in 2000 when they won the conference’s only national title. Now, the Sooners continue to 2006 8-10 Fifth Runner-Up pace the league and raise the bar with four return trips and a bevy of honors along the way. 2007 14-4 Second Champions 8 2000 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 14 STRAIGHT NCAA APPEARANCES 28 ALL-AMERICANS 47 FIRST TEAM ALL-BIG 12 HONOREES 2007 BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONS

BEDLAM BELL The Sooners’ work in the Bedlam series is even more impressive. Since the official start of the Ford Bedlam Series (2001), the trophy hasn’t left Norman. OU has won it outright six of the seven years and retained it after a split in 2003. Since the start of Big 12 play, OU has done no worse than a split with Oklahoma State in the regular season series, while claiming the series in 10 of 12 years.

BIG 12 ALL-AMERICANS The Sooners have certainly made their mark on the Big 12 scene, but they haven’t stopped there. OU has raked in more national and regional honors than any other Big 12 program. No area better emphasizes that distinction than All-Americans. Below is a graph that illustrates OU’s All-America honors during the Big 12 era. 6 NEBRASKA 12 TEXAS 12 TEXAS A&M 8 OKLAHOMA 26 OKLA. ST. OKLA. ST. 7 MISSOURI

9 THREE BIG 12 REGULAR SEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS THREE BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS FIVE WCWS APPEARANCES 2008 OKLAHOMA SOFTBALL MEDIA GUIDE INDIVIDUAL HONORS BIG 12 DOMINANCE With team accomplishments comes individual recognition. That adage has held true with the Oklahoma softball program, which has raked in just about every honor out there.

Start with the coaching staff. OU head coach Patty Gasso, the architect of the Sooners’ move to the top of the softball world, has been named the Big 12 Coach of the Year three times - 1996, 1999, 2000. Gasso and her staff were named Speedline/NFCA Division I National Coaching Staff of the Year in 2000 after claiming the National Championship. The OU coaching staff has also garnered the NFCA Midwest Region Coaching Staff of the Year award on five occasions - 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2004.

OU players have accumulated more honors than any other conference member. The list starts with All-Americans, of which OU has 28. At the regional level, 68 players have landed on the Midwest team. Among the Big 12 ranks, 47 Sooners have notched first team conference awards. Add in a National Player of the Year finalist, five Big 12 Players of the Year, two Freshman of the Year honorees, two Defensive Players of the Year, one Newcomer of the Year, one Pitcher of the Year, 39 Players of the Week and 21 Pitchers of the Week and the list becomes overwhelming.

The softball program has always produced well-rounded athletes and the academic honors don’t take a back seat. In 2000, Lana Moran became the first Sooner in any sport to garner the Academic All-American of the Year (see note on page 11). Seven student-athletes have been named Academic All-Americans. Ten have earned Academic All-District recognition. A total of 36 have been named Academic All-Big Eight and already 53 have earned Academic All-Big 12 acclaim.

NATIONAL POY FINALIST SAM RICKETTS

28 All-Americans 68 All-Midwest Region 47 First Team All-Big 12 1 National POY Finalist Big 12 Player of the Year FIRST NATIONAL PLAYER OF THE YEAR FINALIST 5 Samantha Ricketts made Oklahoma history in 2007 as she became the first OU player ever to finish as one of the final three contestants for USA Soft- ball’s National Player of the Year. Ricketts, who led the nation in RBI during the regular season, joined Arizona State’s Kaitlin Cochran and Tennessee’s Academic All-Big 12 10 Monica Abbott (the winner) as one of three finalists. 53 2000 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 14 STRAIGHT NCAA APPEARANCES 28 ALL-AMERICANS 47 FIRST TEAM ALL-BIG 12 HONOREES 2007 BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONS

DEFINITION OF A STUDENT-ATHLETE Oklahoma pitcher Lana Moran took the term student-athlete to new heights with her 2000 Academic All-American of the Year recognition. The lone senior on the 2000 National Championship team, Moran captained the squad as she tallied a 26-2 mark with five shutouts in the circle. Moran’s biggest achievement came in the classroom where the San Bernardino, Calif., native compiled a 3.88 GPA in sociology. Moran was a two-time GTE first team Academic All-American, a four- time Academic All-Big 12 selection and the first Sooner in any sport to be named the Academic All-American of the Year.

ALL-BIG 12 FIRST TEAM HONORS ALL-MIDWEST REGION HONORS UNDER GASSO OKLAHOMA 47 TEXAS 21 TEXAS A&M 24 TEXAS A&M 23 NEBRASKA 35 NEBRASKA 47 TEXAS 26 OKLAHOMA 50 OKLAHOMA STATE OKLAHOMA STATE 23 OKLAHOMA STATE OKLAHOMA STATE 26 BAYLOR 30 BAYLOR

11 THREE BIG 12 REGULAR SEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS THREE BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS FIVE WCWS APPEARANCES 2008 OKLAHOMA SOFTBALL MEDIA GUIDE USA INFLUENCE

Three players on the 16-member 2004 USA Elite Team were Sooners. Norrelle Dickson, Kami Keiter and Heather Scal- 3 gione represented Oklahoma on the USA Team. Number of past and present Sooners who have been invited 9 to a USA Team tryout. Former Sooner All-American Norrelle Dickson led the USA World Team to ﬁ rst place and a gold medal in the 2006 USA 1 World Games in Taiwan. Oklahoma became only the fourth softball program in history to place at least three members on the a USA squad at the 4 same time.

USA SOFTBALL The phone in Oklahoma head coach Patty Gasso’s office rang three different times. Each time the USA Elite Team selection committee was on the other end. Each time they wanted Gasso to gauge the interest one of her players would have in playing for the 2004 Elite Team.

After the third call, Gasso sat in her office and pondered what had happened over the last month. During that span, three Sooners had been invited (and accepted) to play in the First World University Softball Championships as members of the USA Elite Team, which ranks only behind the Olympic Team. Three Sooners were on the 16-player team, which was a first for any team at OU and only the fourth time any softball program had placed that many players on the squad at the same time.

It was just another sign that OU was among collegiate softball’s creme de la creme but it still took some time to hit Gasso.

USA Softball’s interest in the Oklahoma program continued during the summer of 2006 as alum Norrelle Dickson was one of 16 collegiate players to play on the USA World Team in Taiwan.

Sooner players have been called on before. Former Sooners Kami Keiter and Heather Scaglione were rookies on the 2004 squad. Dickson, on the other hand, played in five tournaments with the Elite squad. Former Sooner Kristin Vesely played for the USA Junior National Team before her freshman year and alum Leah Gulla (2000-03) was part of the Olympic Trials. Additionally, Samantha Ricketts, as well as alums Christina Enea, Kelli Braitsch and Lisa Carey have received a number of tryouts.

12 Sooner softball has carved its niche into USA Softball and Gasso should be ready for future calls. 2000 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 14 STRAIGHT NCAA APPEARANCES 28 ALL-AMERICANS 47 FIRST TEAM ALL-BIG 12 HONOREES 2007 BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONS SOONER PIPELINE SOONERS IN THE PROS As the sport of softball has risen in popularity over the last decade, the number of opportunities for collegiate athletes to play following their career has skyrocketed.

The Sooners have watched numerous alums graduate to the professional ranks. As far back as Jill Most, Jennifer Jaime and Lynnette Velasquez, OU has made an impact on the highest stage of softball.

During the inaugural National Pro Fastpitch College draft, three former Sooners were selected. Erin Evans made the most of her opportunity as an All-Star for the Houston Thunder, who had the best record during the league’s SOONERS WITH PRO EXPERIENCE first season. Leah Gulla and Christy Ring were also drafted by Colorado in the first NPF draft. Player Team-League Pick Norrelle Dickson Akron Racers - NPF 6 Most recently, Norrelle Dickson was picked as the sixth overall pick by the Christina Enea Chicago Bandits - NPF 13 Akron Racers and was named an All-NPF selection in her first season with Christina Enea LPFA Tour 19 the racers. Erin Evans Texas Thunder - NPF -- Leah Gulla Colorado Organization - NPF -- Kristin Vesely was the fourth overall pick in the 2006 NPF draft and led the Jennifer Jaime Virginia Roadsters - WPF -- New England Riptide to the NPF title in her first season. Rachel Johnson Tampa Bay Firestix - WPF -- Jill Most Carolina Diamonds - WPF -- In 2005, Oklahoma led all programs with three draftees in the 2005 NPF Laura Purser Durham Dragons - WPF -- Senior Draft as Heather Scaglione was the first catcher selected and Kami Kami Keiter Akron Racers - NPF 11 Keiter (11th) and Christina Enea (13th) were also drafted. Kami Keiter LPFA Tour 2 Jessica Leslie LPFA Tour 27 Lana Moran Carolina Diamonds - WPF -- Christy Ring Colorado Organization - NPF -- Heather Scaglione NY/NJ Juggernaut - NPF 4 Heather Scaglione LPFA Tour 8 Jennifer Stewart Philladelphia Force - NPF -- Lynette Velasquez Georgia Pride - WPSL -- April Valdez Arizona Heat - NPF -- Kristin Vesely New England - NPF 4 GASSO COACHING PROTEGES GASSO’S COACHING TREE Numerous student-athletes have come to Oklahoma hoping to continue Name Years At OU Position/s Institution their softball career, not just on the field as an NCAA athlete, but as a coach Ashli Barrett 98-01 Head Coach Dennison HS (Texas) when they finish their careers in Norman. OU head coach Patty Gasso has Christine Benyak 96-97 Head Coach La Mirada HS (Calif.) always encouraged her players to be active in the sport when their time as a Lisa Carey 97-2000 Head Coach Washburn College (Kan.) Sooner has come to a close. Andrea Davis 2000-01 Assistant Coach Idaho State University After 13 years with OU, Gasso has proteges sprinkled all over the country. Casey Dickson 94-97 Head Coach Temple University 10 former players are coaching at the collegiate level, as well as two former *Howard Dobson 03-07 Head Coach Southern Miss assistant coaches and a manager. Other alums are coaching on the high Erin Evans 2000-03 Assistant Coach University of North Texas school or travel ball scene. Angela Foster 2002 Assistant Coach Owasso HS (Okla.) *^Jennifer Jaime 96-98 Assistant Coach University of Florida The Sooner pipeline continues to grow with the graduation of each class. Melyssa Lombardi 97-04 Assistant Coach Oklahoma Add in three assistant coaches who have moved on to other opportunities ^Lana Moran 97-2000 Assistant Coach Chaffey College and the OU program is doing its part to continue the development and pro- **Justin Mork 04-07 Assistant Coach Southern Miss motion of softball inside and outside of Oklahoma’s borders. ^Christy Ring 99-02 Assistant Coach Concordia University April Valdez 2003-04 Assistant Coach Mt. San Antonio Tiffany Weight 02-03 Assistant Coach Utah Valley State *Tim Walton 99-01 Head Coach University of Florida Kim Young 1996 Head Coach Mayfair HS (Calif.) * Indicates former assistant coaches **Indicates former studentERIN manager EVANS ^Incicates former OU graduate assistants 13 THREE BIG 12 REGULAR SEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS THREE BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS FIVE WCWS APPEARANCES 2008 OKLAHOMA SOFTBALL MEDIA GUIDE NATIONAL EXPOSURE MEDIA ATTENTION The Women’s College World Series has been the biggest event in Oklahoma over the last few years. The Oklahoma softball team capitalized on that exposure by winning in its first trip to the WCWS in 2000.

Patty Gasso’s squad enjoys more coverage than arguably any program in the country. The unique media landscape in Oklahoma has something to do with that. Five straight WCWS has been a bigger influence.

Perhaps nothing better illustrates the softball program’s rise than a June 2004, story in the largest paper in the state, The Oklahoman. Columnist Jenni Carlson boldly proclaimed head coach Patty Gasso as the best coach at the University. Carlson ranked Gasso’s achievements above those of football coach Bob Stoops, basketball coaches Sherri Coale and gymnastics coach Mark Williams. One opinion sparked argument throughout the state. Gasso couldn’t buy publicity that good. But she and her teams have certainly earned it.

14 2000 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 14 STRAIGHT NCAA APPEARANCES 28 ALL-AMERICANS 47 FIRST TEAM ALL-BIG 12 HONOREES 2007 BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONS

TAKING CENTER STAGE Being a major Division I athletics program in a state without a high scale professional team has its advantages. Oklahoma athletics receive more coverage than any other entity in the state.

Sooner softball receives a big slice of that coverage. Behind football and the basketball programs, softball and baseball are next on the food chain. The fact that softball and baseball are on the same level at OU says a lot about the success of Patty Gasso’s program.

The media attention peaked to a near all-time high in 2004 (just short of the 2000 national championship season) when the Sooners advanced out of the toughest regional in the country, in the process knocking off No. 1 Arizona and No. 9 Louisiana-Lafayette. The Sooners were not only the biggest story in Oklahoma, but they stole the spotlight on the national level of collegiate softball.

Below are a few examples of the many front page stories in the Oklahoman and the Norman Transcript.

15 THREE BIG 12 REGULAR SEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS THREE BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS FIVE WCWS APPEARANCES 2008 OKLAHOMA SOFTBALL MEDIA GUIDE HEAD COACH PATTY GASSO BEST COACH IN BIG 12 HISTORY A pioneer and legend after 13 years. Better believe it.

Oklahoma head coach Patty Gasso has blazed the trail for the Big 12, which has quickly gained national softball respect in just 12 years of existence. No person has been more responsible for the conference’s rise in prominence than the winningest coach in its history. With five trips to the Women’s College World Series in the last eight years, OU has not only earned respect but validated an entire conference. Her work at OU has done more than just net gains for her employers and the league.

The Midwest was a dormant recruiting area when she arrived in 1995. Presently, the Midwest and South (especially Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana and Florida) rank a very close second to California.

All that without even mentioning her accomplishments. In 2003, Oklahoma was named the fifth best program all-time by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. Go back to 1994, before Gasso arrived in Norman, and it’s a guarantee that OU doesn’t even sniff the top 25. During her tenure, the Sooners have reached the postseason every year. They have claimed six Regional Championships, made five WCWS appearances and claimed one national championship.

Not many coaches around the land can claim those credentials. Then again, if you tally the combined accomplishments of many conferences, they can’t either.

So what’s next? It would be a mistake to say more of the same. This program has risen dramatically for 13 years and Gasso doesn’t intend to slow the pace one bit.

Titles like “Coaching Legend” and “Best Coach In Big 12 History” are usually reserved for retired leaders. In Gasso’s case, there is no need to wait, she has already earned both titles.

GASSO’S HONOR ROLL AT OKLAHOMA

THREE-TIME BIG 12 COACH OF THE YEAR 2000 NFCA COACHING STAFF OF THE YEAR NFCA 800-WIN CLUB FIVE-TIME ALL-MIDWEST REGION COACHING STAFF OF THE YEAR FIRST BIG 12 COACH TO 50 WINS FIRST BIG 12 COACH TO 100 WINS WINNINGEST COACH IN BIG 12 HISTORY WINNINGEST COACH IN OU SOFTBALL HISTORY 76 ALL-BIG 12 SELECTIONS 26 ALL-AMERICANS 50 ALL-MIDWEST REGION SELECTIONS DURING BIG 12 ERA 2000 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 13 STRAIGHT NCAA TOURNAMENT APPEARANCES

16 2000 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 14 STRAIGHT NCAA APPEARANCES 28 ALL-AMERICANS 47 FIRST TEAM ALL-BIG 12 HONOREES 2007 BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONS

6 Regional Championships 3 Big 12 Championships 3 Big 12 Postseason Titles 87 All-Conference Selections 5 World Series Appearances

17 THREE BIG 12 REGULAR SEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS THREE BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS FIVE WCWS APPEARANCES 2008 OKLAHOMA SOFTBALL MEDIA GUIDE OU COACHING STAFF ASSOCIATE HEAD COACH MELYSSA LOMBARDI The same attributes that drew OU head coach Patty Gasso to Melyssa Lombardi as a player are the reasons that she has excelled as the pitching coach on the Oklahoma staff.

Lombardi is renowned for her work ethic and softball mind. Watch her give pitching signs to her catchers and you’ll quickly learn how complex her mind is. Listen to Lombardi break down opposing hitters on film or observe her meticulously chart her pitching staff and the work ethic will come beaming through. Those attributes are innate.

It’s no wonder that Lombardi has been on staff for 11 years, and despite being one of the hottest head coaching prospects in the country, she has shown little desire to venture out of Norman.

All those traits have translated into one of the nation’s best pitching staffs year in and year out. Four pitchers have garnered All-America honors five times under her tutelage and the staff has continually ranked among the best in the Big 12 and country.

LAUREN ECKERMANN Lombardi has coached different Sooners of the OU battery to 2007 BIG 12 CO-PITCHER OF THE YEAR nine All-America honors. Two catchers and four pitchers have 2007 ALL-AMERICAN 9 received All-America honors under Lombardi’s tenure. Lombardi’s current protege, Lauren Eckermann, became the ﬁ rst OU player to earn Big 12 Pitcher of the Year. Eckermann, also an All-American, shared the award with TAMU’s Amanda 1 Scarborough in 2007. The number of All-Big 12 honors given to OU’s pitchers and catchers since Lombardi became an assistant coach in 1998. A pitcher and a catcher duo havs earned All-Big 12 honors 20 eight of the 10 years Lombardi has been at Oklahoma.

HEATHER SCAGLIONE TWO-TIME ALL-AMERICAN DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR TWO-TIME BIG 12

JENNIFER STEWARTAN 2000 ALL-AMERIC 2001 ALL-AMERICAN 18 2000 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSCHAM 14 STRAIGHT NCAA APPEARANCES 28 ALL-AMERICANS 47 FIRST TEAM ALL-BIG 12 HONOREES 2007 BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONS

NEW ADDITION TO OFFENSIVE JUGGERNAUT The Oklahoma offense has been one of the best in the Big 12 and the country in the last five years. The Sooners have ranked in the top two in the conference in hitting percentage in the last five years and have finished first three of those years.

The high-octane offense looks to continue in 2008 as head coach Patty Gasso acquired another top offensive mind in the offseason. Tripp MacKay joined the Sooner coaching staff over the summer, replacing former hitting coach Howard Dobson, who became the head coach at Southern Miss.

MacKay, a former baseball All-American, has returned to the collegiate level after serving as a private hitting instructor in Dallas for the last seven years. MacKay’s presence has already been felt as the Sooner offense took off during the fall season, recording a team hitting percentage of .455 with 19 home runs in 10 games. With the addition of MacKay, it looks like OU’s offense will once again be one of the best in the country.

19 THREE BIG 12 REGULAR SEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS THREE BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS FIVE WCWS APPEARANCES 2008 OKLAHOMA SOFTBALL MEDIA GUIDE OU SOFTBALL COMPLEX

THE COMPLEX Marita Hynes Field at the OU Softball Complex has been one of the sparkling gems of the sport since it opened its doors in 1998. OU was one of the first schools outside of the Pac 10 to make the commitment to its softball program by building an exclusive facility for the sport. The trend caught on and Oklahoma was again leading the pack in women’s athletics as new stadiums have sprung up across the national landscape.

The most recent improvement at the OU Softball Complex was synthetic waterproof dirt on the infield and warning track, which allows Patty Gasso’s team to train on the field minutes after a rain storm has moved through.

The complex provides permanent chair back and bleacher seating with a capacity of 1,000; a concessions building and rest rooms; press box; VIP lounge and a ticket office. The complex is equipped with a state-of-the-art underground drainage system, sprinkler system and batting cages. A paved parking lot was in place in time for the 1999 season and OU added the Robert E. Young & Family Softball Locker Room in 2002. The field was named for former softball coach and senior woman administrator, Marita Hynes, in 2004.

The community of Norman has embraced the program and placed it among the annual national leaders in average attendance. TRACI DICKENSON

20 2000 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 14 STRAIGHT NCAA APPEARANCES 28 ALL-AMERICANS 47 FIRST TEAM ALL-BIG 12 HONOREES 2007 BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONS MARITA HYNES FIELD SOFTBALL PIONEER It’s a tough task to find a single individual who has had more effect on the collegiate sport of softball and its rise in popularity than Marita Hynes. The longtime fomer senior woman administrator for Oklahoma actually served as the program’s second softball coach. When she retired from coaching to begin a career as an administrator, she remained active in the softball world. She spearheaded the fund-raising campaign to build the OU Softball Complex and oversaw its construction. During those years, she helped lure the Women’s College World Series to Oklahoma City. For all her contributions to OU and beyond, the athletics department officially christened the playing surface as Marita Hynes Field on April 24, 2004.

TOP 10 SINGLE GAME ATTENDANCE MARKS

ATTENDANCE OPPONENT DATE 1. 1,645 DePaul 5/27/07 2. 1,480 Texas 5/18/02 3. 1,476 Texas 4/14/02 4. 1,456 DePaul 5/26/07 5. 1,433 Texas A&M 5/19/02 6. 1,432 Washington 5/20/01 7. 1,423 Texas 4/14/06 8. 1,365 Oklahoma State 4/2/03 9. 1,357 Washington 5/19/01 10. 1,327 North Carolina 5/18/01

21 THREE BIG 12 REGULAR SEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS THREE BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS FIVE WCWS APPEARANCES 2008 OKLAHOMA SOFTBALL MEDIA GUIDE SOONER POWER

FRESHMAN WENDY TROTT

THE PROGRAM Oklahoma’s weight training program is a pioneer in the development of strength and conditioning, and is a vital part of the Sooners’ traditional success. OU strength and conditioning coaches utilize their expertise along with a wide array of equipment and tests to produce national championship-caliber athletes.

Evaluation, goal-oriented programs, supervision and state-of-the-art facilities help Oklahoma athletes become bigger, faster, stronger and more flexible. The Robin Siegfried & Family Strength and Conditioning Complex, located in the Barry Switzer Center, has 13,000 square feet to facilitate the intensive training of OU athletes.

The objective of the strength and conditioning program is to ensure each student-athlete in every sport is provided with a sound in-season and off-season program. This program of activity includes strength, conditioning, flexibility and nutrition. A strength and conditioning coordinator for each sport is provided to assist athletes in reaching the highest possible training levels. STRENGTH COACH SARAH CAHILL Located at the south end of Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, the Barry Switzer Center houses administrative offices, the football locker room, the equipment room, the 8,000-square-foot Henry Freede Sports Medicine Facility and the 7,000-square-foot Touchdown Club Legends Lobby in addition to the Siegfried Strength and Conditioning Complex.

22 2000 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 14 STRAIGHT NCAA APPEARANCES 28 ALL-AMERICANS 47 FIRST TEAM ALL-BIG 12 HONOREES 2007 BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONS SPORTS MEDICINE

COMPREHENSIVE REHABILITATION The Oklahoma Athletics Department feels a strong responsibility to help its athletes reach and maintain their optimum health and achieve conditioning goals. For this reason, OU has developed excellent training and conditioning programs to lessen the possibility of injuries. However, should injuries occur, the department is committed to a comprehensive rehabilitation program. Complete athletically-related medical services are provided to Oklahoma student-athletes by team physi- cians and OU’s certified athletic trainers. The University of Oklahoma obtains the services of the best medical consultants available.

The base of operation for the Sooners’ medical care is the state-of-the-art Henry J. Freede, M.D. Sports Medicine Center in the Barry Switzer Center. Head athletic trainer Scott Anderson says the addition to the Barry Switzer Center has allowed the university to upgrade to a new edition of rehabilitation equipment that can best benefit the student-athletes. From simple thero- bands to taping tables, the new facility offers everything a school can have or hope to have. The Sooner training room is equipped to perform isokinetic joint evaluation for preventive medicine and for post-injury rehabilitation. The therapy room is supplied with the latest modalities on the market.

A total team effort is the key to OU’s efficiency in preventing, treating and rehabilitating injuries sustained by student-athletes. These measures keep Sooner athletes at their highest level of performance as they compete for championships.

“Sports medicine is a team effort,” says Anderson. “The stated goal of athletic training at Oklahoma is, first of all, care for the student-athletes, thereby granting our sports a competitive advantage and ultimately greater esteem for the entire program. To that end, we are blessed with a full complement of self-sacrificing medical professionals working on a regular basis with our athletic training staff.” JUINOR JESSICA LEGENDRE 23 THREE BIG 12 REGULAR SEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS THREE BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS FIVE WCWS APPEARANCES 2008 OKLAHOMA SOFTBALL MEDIA GUIDE THE UNIVERSITY FLAGSHIP EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION OF THE SOONER STATE The University of Oklahoma is experiencing a golden era in the history of a great institution. The quality of new students is soaring and donor confidence is at an all-time high. Over the last 11 years, OU’s donor base has expanded at a staggering rate, moving from 17,000 to 108,000.

President David L. Boren has spurred significant changes that have resulted in a learning environment of the highest order. As a result, the state of Oklahoma enjoys resources that impact everything from medical science to the arts for many years to come.

The University of Oklahoma has long embraced the great tradition of Sooner athletics. With competitive facilities all located on the main campus, including several near the heart of the university, student-athletes and their classmates mingle comfortably in an environment that fosters an attitude of excellence, regardless of the endeavor.

The University of Oklahoma ranks number one among comprehensive public universities in the per capita number of 1 freshman National Merit Scholars.

The University of Oklahoma is in the top five in the nation among all comprehensive public universities in the graduation 5 of Rhodes Scholars. OU is included on Princeton Review’s “Top 10 Best Value Public Colleges” list, which ranks the best colleges in the 10 nation based on academic excellence per value.

OU has 20 colleges offering 152 majors at the baccalaureate level and 160 majors at the master’s level. The university’s 20 annual operating budget is more than $1 billion. OU boasts an enrollment of nearly 30,000 students and more than 2,000 full-time faculty. The Norman campus maintains a 30 student to instructor ratio of 20:1.

24 2000 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 14 STRAIGHT NCAA APPEARANCES 28 ALL-AMERICANS 47 FIRST TEAM ALL-BIG 12 HONOREES 2007 BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONS

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT OU? • OU is the highest ranked public university in the history of Oklahoma. The latest U.S. News and World Report rankings place OU in the top tier among national public universities.

• OU ranks in the top 10 in the nation in the Freshman Year Experience, according to a national study by the Policy Center on the First Year of College. The study recognizes OU’s initiatives for first-year students and its commitment to put students first.

• OU has the highest-ranked student body in state history at a public university. Oklahoma is also number one per capita among public universities in the number of National Merit Scholars enrolled. Seven hundred National Merit Scholars currently are enrolled at OU.

• OU has over a $1.5 billion impact annually on the state’s economy each year. Over the past decade, research and sponsored programs expenditures at Oklahoma have more than doubled, and OU continues to set new records for funding for externally sponsored research.

• OU continues to break private fund-raising records, with more than $1 billion in gifts and pledges over the past decade, which has provided funding for dramatic capital improvements, the growth in faculty endowment and student scholarships. 25 THREE BIG 12 REGULAR SEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS THREE BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS FIVE WCWS APPEARANCES 2008 OKLAHOMA SOFTBALL MEDIA GUIDE ACADEMIC SUCCESS PREPARING LEADERS FOR TOMORROW The recent Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium expansion and improvement included remodeled office space in the facility’s north end. The largest piece of that project was the Prentice Gautt Academic Center. Some 35,000 square feet are dedicated to the academic pursuits of Sooner student-athletes.

Indeed, there is considerable emphasis on classroom performance at OU. The center staff has achievement as its focus, a fact that is reflected in a graduation rate that exceeds that of the general student body. In addition to its academic work, the staff assists in several life skills areas designed to enrich students in a broad range of tasks.

The Prentice Gautt Academic Center maintains two computer labs for OU student-athletes with more than 100 desktop units and over 40 laptops available to 2 check out.

Some 35,000 square feet are dedicated to the academic pursuits of Oklahoma student-athletes at the Prentice 35 Gautt Academic Center in the stadium’s north end. Legendary running back Prentice Gautt wore No. 38 during his Sooner career from 1956-59. The first African- American student-athlete to receive a scholarship at OU, 38 the academic center is named in his honor. The graduation rate for University of Oklahoma student- 84 athletes who complete their eligibility is 84 percent. The Prentice Gautt Academic Center is available more 90 than 90 hours per week for OU student-athletes.

ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICAN Former OU softball player Lana Moran became the first Sooner in any sport to be named Academic All-American of the Year. Moran led the Sooners to the 2000 national title and compiled a 3.88 GPA during her time at Oklahoma. 26 2000 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 14 STRAIGHT NCAA APPEARANCES 28 ALL-AMERICANS 47 FIRST TEAM ALL-BIG 12 HONOREES 2007 BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONS

THE LEGACY OF PRENTICE GAUTT The OU Academics Center that today’s student-athletes use everyday now bears the name of the man who left an indelible legacy for Sooner Athletics and helped change a society in the process.

“It is appropriate that this center be named after Prentice Gautt,” University of Oklahoma President David L. Boren said. “His personal values and character, along with his leadership as associate commissioner of the Big 12 Conference, continue to bring pride to his alma mater.

“His personal example of quiet courage, grace under pressure, and dedication to the university helped open the doors of opportunity for countless number of African-American and minority student-athletes who have followed him into collegiate athletics.”

Fomer Sooner Lana Moran was selected as the top softball student-athlete in the nation in 2000 when she was named the 1 Academic All-American of the Year. CoSIDA Academic All-America honors under head coach Patty 7 Gasso. OU has collected 56 Academic All-Big 12 honors during the 4 Gasso era, an average of 4.6 per year.

27 THREE BIG 12 REGULAR SEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS THREE BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS FIVE WCWS APPEARANCES 2008 OKLAHOMA SOFTBALL MEDIA GUIDE SOONER SUCCESS INSPIRING CHAMPIONS TODAY VOLLEYBALL The Sooners recorded their second straight 20-win season, going 22-10 in 2007 NATIONAL POY COURTNEY PARIS 2007. Oklahoma was once again the surprise of the Big 12 as the Soon- ers were picked to fi nish ninth in the conference during the preseason but fi nished fourth in the league with a 13-7 mark. Under fourth-year coach Santiago Restrepo, the Sooners were selected for their second consecutive NCAA Tournament and fi fth trip in school history.. CROSS COUNTRY Jessica Eldridge closed out her impressive OU cross country career with a fourth consecutive trip to the NCAA Cross Country Championships. Eldridge was named to the 2007 Division I Midwest All-Region Cross Country team, along with sophomore Jon Grey and freshman Kevin Schwab, after the trio recorded top-25 fi nishes in the NCAA Midwest Regional. All scoring Sooner men fi nished in the top 50 at the NCAA Midwest Regional as the team fi nished fi fth.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL SOCCER The Oklahoma women’s basketball team fi nished the 2006-07 season with Oklahoma fi nished the 2007 season with a 6-10-3 overall record and a 2-7-1 a 28-5 record, a No. 9 ranking, the Big 12 regular season championship, the mark in Big 12 play. Eleven of the Sooners’ games were decided by one Big 12 postseason championship and a Sweet 16 appearance. The Sooners goal or less. Freshman Whitney Palmer was named to the All-Big 12 New- became the fi rst program in Big 12 history to collect back-to-back regular comer Team after tallying six goals. She is the third Sooner in school history season and postseason championships. The success in 2007 gives the to be named to the team and the fi rst since Lauren MacIver since 2002. Sooners more Big 12 regular season (5) and postseason (4) championships than any team in the Big 12. Courtney Paris, the AP National Player of the Year and consensus All-American, led the Sooners. MEN’S BASKETBALL Following the release of three signed recruits from their letters of intent, a team of 10 scholarship players and two walk-ons fi nished the 2006-07 season with a 16-15 record. OU’s winning record was the program’s 26th straight, preserving the longest streak among Big 12 schools. The Sooners held opponents to just 59.6 points a game, the lowest fi gure by an OU team in 29 years.

FOOTBALL The Sooners (11-2) became the first football team in the Big 12 Conference to win back-to-back Big 12 Championships as Oklahoma knocked off No. 1 Missouri, 38-17, in the 2007 Big 12 Championship game in San Antonio. The Sooners claimed the program’s fifth conference title in eight seasons and 41st overall. Oklahoma narrowly missed playing in the national title game as it finished in third in the final BCS standings. However, the conference champions advanced to their sixth BCS bowl game in the past eight seasons with a match up against West Virginia in the Fiesta Bowl. The squad also made history with its ninth consecutive bowl game, the longest stretch in the program’s history. 28 2000 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 14 STRAIGHT NCAA APPEARANCES 28 ALL-AMERICANS 47 FIRST TEAM ALL-BIG 12 HONOREES 2007 BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONS

PREPARING LEADERS FOR TOMORROW

MEN’S GYMNASTICS The Oklahoma men’s gymnastics team pushed host Penn State to the fi nal event at the 2007 NCAA Championships, but couldn’t overcome the Nittany JONATHAN HORTON Lions. The Sooners, gunning for the program’s fi rst NCAA three-peat, settled for national runner-up. Jonathan Horton made history at the event, winning NCAA event titles on the high bar and fl oor exercise. With fi ve career individual national titles, Horton broke Bart Conner’s school record. Oklahoma once again led the nation, adding 11 total All-Americans at the meet. \

WOMEN’S GYMNASTICS Led by senior Brittney Koncak-Schumann who won a share of the fl oor exercise title, OU fi nished second at the Big 12 Championships on March 31 in Columbia, Mo. The Sooners headed back to Tuscaloosa for the NCAA Central Regional on April 14. The fi nal qualifying spot was decided by a WOMEN’S TENNIS A seasoned squad knows how to win at home and that was the case for the tiebreaker with Oklahoma edging the Cyclones to earn a school-record fourth Sooner women’s tennis team. OU fi nished with a 5-2 home mark and was straight trip to the NCAA Championships. The Sooners fi nished eighth at the 9-13 overall for the season. A 4-3 win over Kansas, the second of the season, NCAA Championships, the highest fi nish in program history. sent the Sooners to the quarterfi nal round of the Big 12 Championships. The season ended with a 4-0 loss to Texas A&M in that round. Oklahoma ended WRESTLING the season with a 5-6 record in the Big 12, good for a sixth place fi nish. Head coach Jack Spates, in his 14th season at the helm, led the team to an 11-7 record and an 0-5 record in Big 12 competition. Of the 18 matches, 11 were against top 25 teams, including all four Big 12 teams. For the second MEN’S GOLF With eight of the OU men’s golf team’s 10 players earning tournament spots consecutive season, OU produced individual Big 12 champions. Led by All- for the Sooners for the fi rst time in their collegiate career, it would be easy to American Sam Hazewinkel, six Sooners qualifi ed for the NCAA Champion- chalk up last season as a learning experience and look to next year. Head ships. coach Jim Ragan had other ideas as he made sure the Sooners fi nished the season the same way they had every year of his OU tenure – earning a berth BASEBALL in NCAA postseason play. The 2007 Oklahoma baseball team narrowly missed the NCAA Tournament for the fi rst time since 2003 after fi nishing the season with a 34-24 overall record. The Sooners fi nished seventh in the Big 12 regular season standings WOMEN’S GOLF The women’s golf team posted nine top-10 team fi nishes on the season, the with an 11-16 mark and went 2-1 in the 2007 Phillips 66 Big 12 Champion- most since 2002-03. Juniors Heather Wright and Jacques remained constant ship. A strong showing in the Big 12 Championship, which included wins in the lineup and produced three and fi ve top-20 fi nishes, respectively. Jacques over No.11 Missouri and No. 21 Oklahoma State, was not enough for the saved her best for last, fi ring a three-round 229 in the Big 12 Championships. Sooners to qualify for their fourth straight NCAA Tournament. She earned a spot on the Big 12 All-Tournament team with her fourth place tie. MEN’S TENNIS Led by a roster that included just one senior, the 2007 Oklahoma men’s TRACK AND FIELD A program-record 14 men and women earned All-America honors at the NCAA tennis team was one of the most successful in program history. OU faced Track & Field Outdoor Championships to cap one of the most successful sea- a tough schedule with 19 of its 29 matches versus ranked opponents. With sons in school history. The men’s team won its fi rst Big 12 Championship, the four of eight players new to the team, OU head coach Paul Lockwood quickly fi rst conference title for OU in 29 years, and NCAA Midwest Region titles. The blended the team into a national contender. The Sooners climbed from women’s team recorded a program-best fi nish of sixth at the Big 12 Outdoor. No. 54 to No. 23 in the ITA polls. The jump into the top 25 ended a 15-year Head coach Martin Smith was named the Big 12 and Midwest Region Men’s absence. Coach of the Year. 29 THREE BIG 12 REGULAR SEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS THREE BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS FIVE WCWS APPEARANCES 2008 OKLAHOMA SOFTBALL MEDIA GUIDE NORMAN & OKC

NORMAN - HOME OF THE SOONERS The Oklahoma City metropolitan area has a population of more than one million people. OKC is the largest city in the state Norman is an ever-changing city of nearly 100,000 residents. Located in the and the 29th largest city in the nation. heart of the state, it has grown to become the third largest city in Oklahoma. 1 Despite its continuous growth, it has maintained the spirit and serenity of a small, close-knit community. Norman is the third largest city in the state with more than Since the Oklahoma Land Rush of 1889, Norman has grown into a popular 100,000 residents. Despite its growth, the city nurtures and and smart city. The spirit of Norman and its citizens is unwavering and uncom- maintains its small, college town atmosphere. promising. While other towns were clamoring to become the state capital, 3 Norman residents wanted to have the first state university. When the first OU president got off the train and saw a prairie, he saw opportunity. Located just 18 miles north of Norman, the state’s capital, Oklahoma City, offers all the trappings of a large metropolitan As home to the state’s premier educational institution, Norman boasts an area within an easy drive. excellent quality of life and is a city that thrives on and celebrates the diversity 18 of its community. The average annual temperature in Norman. The area enjoys

a temperate climate with mild winters. Four distinct seasons Legendary University of Oklahoma football coach Barry Switzer called Norman “a university town with a championship spirit.” 70 with a warm spring and fall. Norman continually exhibits its love for sports by hosting numerous local and national athletic events. Due to its central location, Norman is a quick 196-mile drive from Dallas. Roughly 20 percent of OU’s students are from Texas and choose to come north. 30 196 2000 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 14 STRAIGHT NCAA APPEARANCES 28 ALL-AMERICANS 47 FIRST TEAM ALL-BIG 12 HONOREES 2007 BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONS

OKLAHOMA CITY Oklahoma City, the state’s capital, is located just 18 miles north of the Norman campus. It was the first city settled in the Land Run of 1889 because of its position at the center of the state.

Oklahoma City offers a variety of attractions and activities different from any other place in the country.

Oklahoma City sprawls across 625 square miles of America’s heartland. The city’s metro population numbers more than one million -- a third of the entire state’s population.

Oklahoma City has become a haven for exciting sports action. It is home to three minor league teams and is the host of the NCAA College Softball World Series.

Located just southeast of downtown, Bricktown is Oklahoma City’s entertain- ment and dining district. Restaurants with a total capacity of more than 4,000 seats, shopping, and a generous helping of turn-of-the-century charm has turned Bricktown into a hotspot for Oklahoma City nights.

31 THREE BIG 12 REGULAR SEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS THREE BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS FIVE WCWS APPEARANCES 2008 OKLAHOMA SOFTBALL MEDIA GUIDE ROSTER # NAME PRONUNCIATION POS. B/T HT. YR. HOMETOWN (LAST SCHOOL)

1 Anderson, Haley UTL R/R 5-7 FR Edmond, Okla. (Edmond Santa Fe HS) 43 Dickenson, Traci INF R/R 5-4 JR Placentia, Calif. (El Dorado HS) 21 Dobbs, Dani DAN-ee INF R/R 5-4 FR Moore, Okla. (Moore HS) 24 Douglas, Jeannie UTL L/R 5-4 JR Chandler, Okla. (Chandler HS) 5 Eckermann, Lauren RHP R/R 5-9 SR Brenham, Texas (Temple Junior College) 4 Flores, Amber FLOOR-ez OF R/R 5-4 SO Calexico, Calif. (Southwest HS) 14 Hudsonpillar, Morgan RHP R/R 5-11 JR Bartlesville, Okla. (Bartlesville HS) 9 Huey, Krystle UTL L/R 5-1 FR Garland, Texas (Garland HS) 3 Jones, Chana’e sha-NAY OF L/R 5-6 FR San Jose, Calif. (Valley Christian HS) 44 Legendre, Jessica la-ZHAHN-dra INF R/R 5-7 JR Port Jefferson, NY (Earl L. Vandermeulen HS) 12 Long, Savannah INF R/R 5-8 SR Midwest City, Okla. (Midwest City HS) 11 Mathis, D.J. LHP L/L 5-6 JR East Alton, Ill. (Roxana HS) 18 McDonald, Iver EYE-vur OF L/R 5-3 SO Houston, Texas (J. Frank Dobie HS) 23 Ogden, Susan UTL R/R 5-8 SR Sherman, Texas (Sherman HS) 10 Ricketts, Samantha 1B L/L 5-9 JR San Jose, Calif. (Archbishop Mitty HS) 7 Rouppet, Katelyn Roo-PAY INF R/R 5-5 FR Stockton, Calif. (A. A. Stagg HSl) 2 Smith, Jadyn JAY-din RHP R/R 5-8 SR Newcastle, Okla. (Newcastle HS) 30 Trott, Wendy UTL L/L 5-11 FR Fountain Valley, Calif. (Fountain Valley HS) 8 Vandever, Lindsey VAN-duh-ver C R/R 5-6 SO Davenport, Okla. (Davenport HS)

Head Coach: Patty Gasso (Long Beach State, 1984) Associate Head Coach: Melyssa Lombardi (Oklahoma, 1997) Assistant Coach: Tripp MacKay (Oklahoma State, 2000) Director of Softball Operations: Kaycee Clark (Central Florida, 2005)

THE UNIVERSITY COACHING STAFF 2008 OUTLOOK Location: Norman, Okla. Head Coach: Patty Gasso (Long Beach St., 1984) Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 13/6 Founded: 1890 Years Coaching: 2008 is 18th season Starters Returning/Lost: 7/3 Enrollment: 29,721 Career Record (Pct): 801-267-2 (.750) Newcomers: Six Nickname: Sooners Years at OU: 2008 is 14th season All-Americans Returning/Lost: 3/1 Colors: Crimson and Cream Record at OU (Pct): 639-208-2 (.754) Conference: Big 12 Associate Head Coach: Melyssa Lombardi MEDIA RELATIONS President: David Boren: (Oklahoma, 1997) Softball Contact: Jessica Summers VP/Director of Athletics: Joe Castiglione Assistant Coach: Tripp MacKay Ofﬁ ce: (405) 325-8372 (Oklahoma State, 2000) Fax: (405) 325-7623 HISTORY Director of Operations: Kaycee Clark Cell: (405) 213-6735 First Year of Softball: 1975 E-mail: [email protected] All-Time Record: 1,191-669-2 (.640) OU SOFTBALL COMPLEX Web site: www.SoonerSports.com All-Time Big 12 Record: 162-53 (.753) Stadium: OU Softball Complex Big 12 Regular Season Titles: Three Field: Marita Hynes Field Mailing and overnight shipping address: Big 12 Tournament Titles: Three Capacity: 1,000 Athletics Media Relations NCAA Tournament Appearances: 14 Pressbox Phone: (405) 325-8177 180 West Brooks St., Suite 2525 Regional Titles: Seven Norman, OK 73019 WCWS Appearances: Five TEAM INFORMATION National Championships: One (2000) 2007 Overall Record: 55-8 Softball Address 2007 Conference Record: 14-4 (Second) OU Softball Complex 2007 NCAA Postseason: 2500 S. Jenkins Big 12 Tournament Champions, Super Regional Norman, OK 73019 2007 Final Ranking: 9

32 2000 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 14 STRAIGHT NCAA APPEARANCES 28 ALL-AMERICANS 47 FIRST TEAM ALL-BIG 12 HONOREES 2007 BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONS SCHEDULE DATE DAY OPPONENT LOCATION TIME (CST)

2/8 Friday UCLA! Westwood, Calif. 2:30 p.m. 2/8 Friday UCSB! Westwood, Calif. 7:30 p.m. 2/9 Saturday Reno! Fullerton, Calif. 12 p.m. 2/9 Saturday Cal State Fullerton! Fullerton, Calif. 5 p.m. 2/10 Sunday UCLA! Westwood, Calif. 11:30 a.m. 2/12 Tuesday St. Gregory’s (Okla.) NORMAN 3:30 p.m. 2/15 Friday BYU# Las Vegas, Nev. 2 p.m. 2/15 Friday Northridge# Las Vegas, Nev. 7:30 p.m. 2/16 Saturday South Carolina# Las Vegas, Nev. 11 a.m. 2/16 Saturday Illinois# Las Vegas, Nev. 1:15 p.m. 2/17 Sunday Cal Poly# Las Vegas, Nev. 1:15 p.m. 2/22 Friday Stanford$ Palm Springs, Calif. 2:30 p.m. 2/22 Friday Paciﬁ c$ Palm Springs, Calif. 7:30 p.m. 2/23 Saturday Oregon$ Palm Springs, Calif. 12:30 p.m. 2/23 Saturday San Diego State$ Palm Springs, Calif. 5 p.m. 2/24 Sunday Georgia$ Palm Springs, Calif. 11 a.m. 2/27 Wednesday Tulsa NORMAN 4 p.m. 3/1 Saturday North Texas% NORMAN 2:30 p.m. 3/1 Saturday Memphis% NORMAN 4:45 p.m. 3/2 Sunday Memphis% NORMAN 12:15 p.m. 3/2 Sunday North Texas% NORMAN 2:30 p.m. 3/5 Wednesday Tulsa Tulsa, Okla. 6 p.m. 3/8 Saturday McNeese^ NORMAN 2:30 p.m. 3/8 Saturday Drake^ NORMAN 4:45 p.m. 3/9 Sunday Drake^ NORMAN 1:15 p.m. 3/9 Sunday McNeese^ NORMAN 3:30 p.m. 3/13 Thursday Fresno State Fresno, Calif. 7 p.m. 3/14 Friday Cal Poly& Sacramento, Calif. 12 p.m. 3/14 Friday Colorado State& Sacramento, Calif. 5 p.m. 3/15 Saturday Sacramento State& Sacramento, Calif. 12 p.m. 3/15 Saturday California& Sacramento, Calif. 2:30 p.m. 3/16 Sunday Princeton& Sacramento, Calif. 11 a.m. 3/19 Wednesday Wichita State (DH) NORMAN 5 p.m., 7 p.m. 3/21 Friday Kansas NORMAN 7 p.m. 3/22 Saturday Kansas NORMAN 1 p.m. 3/25 Tuesday USA Olympic Team Oklahoma City, Okla. 6:30 p.m. 3/26 Wednesday Central Arkansas NORMAN 6 p.m. 3/29 Saturday Nebraska Lincoln, Neb. 2 p.m. 3/30 Sunday Nebraska Lincoln, Neb. 12 p.m. 4/2 Wednesday Oklahoma State Stillwater, Okla. 7 p.m. 4/5 Saturday Missouri NORMAN 12 p.m. 4/6 Sunday Missouri NORMAN 12 p.m. 4/7 Monday Arkansas (DH) Fayetteville, Ark. 4 p.m., 6 p.m. 4/10 Thursday Texas Tech (DH) NORMAN 5 p.m, 7 p.m. 4/12 Saturday Texas A&M College Station, Texas 2 p.m. 4/13 Sunday Texas A&M College Station, Texas 12 p.m. 4/19 Saturday Iowa State Ames, Iowa 2 p.m. 4/20 Sunday Iowa State Ames, Iowa 11 a.m. 4/23 Wednesday Oklahoma State NORMAN 7 p.m. 4/26 Saturday Texas NORMAN 2 p.m. 4/27 Sunday Texas NORMAN 12 p.m. 4/30 Wednesday Baylor (DH) Waco, Texas 5 p.m., 7 p.m. 5/9-11 Friday-Sunday Big 12 Championship Oklahoma City, Okla. TBA 5/16-18 Friday-Sunday NCAA Regionals TBA TBA 5/23-25 Friday-Sunday NCAA Super Regionals TBA TBA 5/28-6/4 Wednesday-Wednesday NCAA WCWS Oklahoma City, Okla. TBA

All times Central and subject to change $ - Palm Springs Classic (Palm Springs, Calif.) Bold indicates home contest to be played at OU Softball Complex % - OU Residence Inn Invitational (Norman, Okla.) * - Big 12 game ^ - OU Worth Tournament (Norman, Okla.) ! - Cal State Fullerton/UCLA Freeway Series (Fullerton, Calif. & Westwood, Calif.) & - Capital Classic (Sacramento, Calif.) # - Louisville Slugger Desert Classic (Las Vegas, Nev.) 33 THREE BIG 12 REGULAR SEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS THREE BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS FIVE WCWS APPEARANCES 2008 OKLAHOMA SOFTBALL MEDIA GUIDE OUTLOOK

BACK FOR MORE OKLAHOMA RETURNS SEVEN STARTERS AND THREE ALL-AMERICANS FROM A 2007 BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP SQUAD THAT FELL JUST SHORT OF THE WCWS.

The Sooners enter he 2008 season with strong momentum after completing THE LINEUP one of the best seasons in school history in 2007. The experienced group Key Returners that returns three All-Americans and seven starters from last year’s Big 12 Samantha Ricketts (.415 Avg, 18 HR, 81 RBI) Championship squad is even more determined and committed heading into Susan Ogden (.381, 36 RBI, 10 Doubles) the season opener after falling just short of the Women’s College World Series last season with a losses in the Norman Super Regional. Similar to last season, Gasso’s hurdle will be trying to make room for all the bats she has on her squad. The young squad was an offensive juggernaut “This team was probably one of the most dedicated squads I have had in last season, topping all Big 12 schools in seven different offensive categories the offseason,” head coach Patty Gasso said. “I think a switch turned in and fi nishing fourth in the nation in batting average and scoring. their heads and they realized the only way to get back to the World Series is to spend much more time working on their own. I’m excited to see how The biggest question mark of 2008 will be who will replace three-time All- they take that offseason dedication into the regular season and how well we American and 2007 Big 12 Player of the Year Norrelle Dickson. The table benefi t from that.” setter ended her career at Oklahoma as one of the best leadoff hitters to play for the Crimson and Cream. The four-year starter is the OU career leader in Oklahoma has the tools to make its sixth trip to the WCWS in the last nine at-bats, runs scored, hits, batting average, stolen bases and on-base percent- years as it returns 55 percent of its offense, including last year’s nation’s RBI age. leader in Samantha Ricketts. While the offense is stacked with four of its top fi ve hitters returning, the Sooners are also solid in the circle. “Norrelle was vital to our success during her time here and was a key reason Sam (Ricketts) led the nation in RBI last season,” Gasso said. “It is so impor- The entire four-member pitching staff returns, which includes All-American tant to get our lead off on base because we have such a strong middle of the and Co-Big 12 Pitcher of the Year Lauren Eckermann. The right-hander lineup that can bring people across the plate.” returns for her senior season after tying a school record with 37 wins in 2007. The top two spots in the lineup remain competitive as Gasso will aim to fi nd a replacement for the leadoff position as well as a possible lefty in the two-hole, which would protect base stealers. 34 2000 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 14 STRAIGHT NCAA APPEARANCES 28 ALL-AMERICANS 47 FIRST TEAM ALL-BIG 12 HONOREES 2007 BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONS OUTLOOK Possible replacements for the leadoff spot inlude speedy underclassmen Iver Anchoring the right side of the fi eld are Dickenson and Ricketts, who both bring McDonald and Krystle Huey. Amber Flores, who hit .325 in the three spot as experience to second and fi rst, respectively. Freshman Wendy Trott could a freshman starter last year, is also an option. also fi ll in for Ricketts at fi rst as they are interchangeable at the fi rst base and designated player positions. Gasso believes the bulk of the lineup (spots 3-7) is completely interchangeable with all the power returning from last year. In addition, OU’s powerful offensive THE OUTFIELD lineup doesn’t present many options for opponents to pitch around. The Soon- Key Returner ers benefi tted greatly from that last season and look to capitalize on it again in Amber Flores (Left Field, .325 Avg., 41 RBI) 2008. Unlike the infi eld, the outfi eld could look very different for the Sooners this Highlighting the heart of the order is Ricketts, one of three fi nalists for USA season. Flores will be the lone starter returning as the sophomore will remain Softball National Player of the Year as a sophomore in 2007. The cleanup hit- in her spot in left fi eld. As a freshman, Flores only committed one error in 61 ter owned a .415 batting average with 18 home runs and only 11 strikeouts last starts in left fi eld. year while setting a school record with 81 RBI in a season. The Sooners will have to fi nd a replacement for last year’s senior center fi elder Ricketts paired with fellow All-American Susan Ogden as a tough tandem for Jamie Fox, the leader in the outfi eld. Huey and McDonald will once again be in opponents. Opponents couldn’t pitch around Ricketts last season as they competition for the centerfi eld spot. would face Ogden, who hit .381 with 10 doubles and 36 RBI in the fi fth spot of the lineup. Right fi eld will also have a new look as Jones and utility player Ogden could also see some time at right. Ogden, a senior, saw a lot of action in the fall in In addition to Ricketts and Ogden, Gasso expects Traci Dickenson, Lindsey the outfi eld and can also play catcher or designated player. Placing Ogden in Vandever and Savannah Long to be strong contributors to the Sooner lineup as right fi eld remains a way to keep the All-American’s bat in the lineup. well. Dickenson was arguably the best nine-hole hitter in the country last year as the All-Midwest Region selection owned 14 home runs with 41 RBI in the Freshman Haley Anderson and junior Jeannie Douglas will provide backup fi nal spot of the lineup. relief in the outfi eld while Trott could also see action in right.

“Traci was perfect in that spot for us last year. Opponents didn’t expect such THE BATTERY power at the bottom of the lineup and it took off a lot of the pressure,” Gasso Key Returners said. “However, her numbers were so strong last year that we are deﬁ nitely go- Lauren Eckermann (RHP, 37-5, 1.66 ERA) ing to move her up in the heart of the lineup so she can get more at-bats.” Lindsey Vandever (Catcher, .287 Avg., 24 RBI)

With one season under her belt, Vandever returns for another year after hitting As is the case for any collegiate softball team, OU’s pitching will have the big- .287 with six home runs and 24 RBI. Veteran senior Long should also provide gest impact on the Sooners this season. However, if the Sooner staff continues stability in the lineup as she owns power and speed with six home runs and from where it left off last year then Gasso and the Sooners should be excited seven stolen bases last season. about another strong year.

New faces could make up the latter part of the lineup. In addition to the speedy All four members of the Oklahoma pitching staff return for the 2008 season Huey, Chana’e Jones is also vying for a spot in the lineup. Huey’s speed puts with Eckermann leading the way. The Big 12 Co-Pitcher of the Year owned a pressure on the defense and she could be called upon in pinch running situa- 1.66 ERA last season and a 37-5 record while tallying 259 strikeouts in 274.1 tions. Jones not only brings speed but also showed some very strong power innings. Additionally, junior lefty D.J. Mathis returns healthy and looking to during her fall campaign with the Sooners. provide a strong one-two punch for the Sooners after notching a 2.60 ERA last season. “This freshman class has a lot of high expectations to meet but I’ve been com- forted by the fact that the upperclassmen have demanded them to hang with Adding depth is senior Jadyn Smith and Morgan Hudsonpillar. Both right-hand- them and they have, step for step,” Gasso said. ers saw limited action in 2007, but each had very strong outings in the fall and are much improved from last season. THE INFIELD Key Returners “We are going to need solid outings every time out this season,” Gasso said. Savannah Long (Shortstop, 6 HR, 7-11 SB) “It is imperative that we have a one-two punch this season and we don’t rely Traci Dickenson (Second Base, .298, 14 HR) on one pitcher and I’m extremely confi dent that this four-member class can get it done. Lauren sat out most of the fall with a fi nger injury and I believe it was Oklahoma will have a very similar look in the infi eld this season after losing a blessing in disguise. The rest of our staff saw a lot more action and really only one infi elder from last season. The Sooners will have to replace Dickson, showed signifi cant improvement.” a consistent starter at third base for the Sooners. Freshman Dani Dobbs and junior Jessica Legendre are in the heaviest competition for the position and it Calling the shots for the pitchers will be sophomore catcher Vandever. The most likely will depend on each player’s bats throughout the season. sophomore had an impressive freshman season as she threw out 15 of 29 base stealers from behind the plate, showing off her quick release that Gasso “This could be a position that could go back and forth throughout the season,” was so drawn to. Gasso said. “Both worked extremely hard in the fall and the player who is producing the best at the plate will have the advantage.” In addition to Vandever, Ogden will also be available if Vandever can’t play. Ogden, OU’s do-everything All-American, started at catcher in 2006 and gave Highlighting the infi eld is fl ame-throwing, all-everything shortstop Long. The relief to Vandever last season. senior was named the captain of the squad for the 2008 season and will be the leader for the infi eld and she is the only senior among the infi eld positions. “I’m extremely excited about the challenges ahead of us this spring, including how our pitchers and our freshmen respond,” Gasso said. “We have a squad that has a lot of experience this season and I think our defense could be a key factor in our success.” 35 THREE BIG 12 REGULAR SEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS THREE BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS FIVE WCWS APPEARANCES 2008 OKLAHOMA SOFTBALL MEDIA GUIDE OU MEDIA RELATIONS KENNY MOSSMAN - FOOTBALL SCOTT MATTHEWS Senior Associate Athletics Director for Communications Director of Graphic Design Office: (405) 325-8231 Home: (405) 321-2220 Office: (405) 325-8223 Home: (405) 664-0844 [email protected] [email protected]

MIKE HOUCK - MEN’S BASKETBALL JASON MATHESON Associate Media Relations Director Director of Internet Services Office: (405) 325-8227 Home: (405) 447-2731 Office: (405) 325-4274 Home: (918) 691-3886 [email protected] [email protected]

JARED THOMPSON - WOMEN’S BASKETBALL BRIAN DUDE - MEN’S GYMNASTICS, WOMEN’S GOLF Associate Media Relations Director Media Relations Graduate Assistant Office: (405) 325-8314 Home: (405) 834-2984 Office: (405) 325-8413 Home: (405) 990-4140 [email protected] [email protected]

CRAIG MORAN - BASEBALL, SOCCER & FOOTBALL PHILLIP ROGERS - WOMEN’S GYMNASTICS, MEN’S GOLF Assistant Media Relations Director Media Relations Graduate Assistant Office: (405) 325-6449 Home: (405) 249-8264 Office: (405) 325-8349 Home: (405) 880-0794 [email protected] [email protected]

JESSICA SUMMERS - SOFTBALL AND VOLLEYBALL MITCH HECKART - WRESTLING Assistant Media Relations Director Media Relations Student Assistant Office: (405) 325-8372 Home: (405) 831-6851 Office: (405) 325-8349 Home: (405) 863-0515 [email protected] [email protected]

DAVID BASSITY - TRACK AND FIELD, FOOTBALL MATT MONTGOMERY - MEN’S TENNIS Associate Media Relations Director Media Relations Student Assistant Office: (405) 325-3671 Home: (405) 249-6075 Office: (405) 325-8349 Home: (405) 740-9570 [email protected] [email protected]

DEBBIE COPP SHERIDAN SAMPLES - WOMEN’S TENNIS Director of Publications Media Relations Student Assistant Office: (405) 325-8367 Home: (405) 329-6799 Office: (405) 325-8349 Home: (405) 863-4226 [email protected] [email protected]

OU ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS OU ATHLETICS PHONE DIRECTORY Media Relations Main Phone ...... (405) 325-8231 All numbers (405) 325 + four-digit extension Media Relations Fax...... (405) 325-7623 OU Athletics Main Line...... 8200 University of Oklahoma Athletics Media Relations OU Athletics Ticket Office...... 2424 Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium Joe Castiglione, Director of Athletics ...... 8208 Suite 2525, 180 W Brooks St, Norman, OK 73019 Larry Naifeh, Executive Associate AD ...... 8241 Gerald Gurney, Ph.D., Sr. Assoc. AD/Academics ...... 8265 SoonerSports.com Jason Leonard, Execute Director of Compliance...... 7719 The latest, official information on Oklahoma softbal is available at SoonerSports. Greg Phillips, Sr. Assoc. AD/Chief Financial Officer ...... 8241 com. Log on for complete media services including statistics, rosters, bios, Stephanie Rempe, Sr. Assoc. AD/SWA ...... 8210 schedules, press conferences, quotes and more. Matt Trantham, Assoc. AD/Event Management ...... 8203 Billy Ray Johnson, Assist. AD/Ticket Operations ...... 8133 SoonerSportsMedia.com Tim George, Assist. AD/Director of Marketing ...... 8238 Action photos, mugs and logos are available for download. Visit Greg Tipton, Asst. AD/Athletics Equipment ...... 8379 SoonerSportsMedia.com for details. Scott Anderson, Head Athletics Trainer ...... 8332 Eric Barnhart, Sooner Sports Properties ...... 2148 Oklahoma Football Online Brandon Meier, Director of Broadcasting ...... 8875 Official OU Athletics ...... SoonerSports.com Danny Davis, Director of Facilities ...... 8235 OU Media Services ...... SoonerSportsMedia.com Dave Haskin, Director of Promotions...... 8232 Big 12 Conference ...... Big12sports.com Beth Kelly, Manager of Financial Support Services...... 8452 Brian Martin, Coordinator of Team Video...... 8288 Jerry Schmidt, Director of Sports Enhancement ...... 8370 Suzanne Staley, Director of Branding ...... 8547 36 2000 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 14 STRAIGHT NCAA APPEARANCES 28 ALL-AMERICANS 47 FIRST TEAM ALL-BIG 12 HONOREES 2007 BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONS MEDIA POLICIES COVERING PRACTICE RADIO PLAY-BY-PLAY All practices will be open to the public. The Sooners will regularly practice Brian Brinkley will again handle radio play-by-play duties for Oklahoma at the OU Softball Complex. If inclement weather occurs, they will practice Softball. Brinkley, a current sportscaster with Oklahoma City’s KFOR, has at the Mosier Indoor Facility. Members of the media are asked to inform the been the voice of OU Softball and Women’s Basketball for the past six media relations office when they will be attending practice. All those attending seasons. practice are asked to stay off the field. Oklahoma City radio station KOKC 1520 AM will be the Sooner Sports CREDENTIAL REQUESTS Network flagship affiliate for OU softball programming for the 2008 season. Media credentials for University of Oklahoma home games and contests at Don E. Porter Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City should be requested KOKC 1520 AM and KRXO 107.7 FM currently serve as the official flagship one week prior to the event. Space is limited in the press box at the stations for OU sports, including play-by-play broadcasts of Sooner Football, Oklahoma Softball Complex and credentials will be given on a first-come, Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball and Sooner Sports Talk Show first-served basis. programming.

TELEPHONE AVAILABILITY Sooner Sports Properties, a joint venture with Learfield Communications, Telephone lines can be ordered for the OU Softball Complex press box any Renda Broadcasting (KRXO 107.7 FM and KOKC 1520 AM) and Griffin time before or during the season by calling the OU Telecommunications Office Communications (KWTV Channel 9), is the official multi-media rights holder at (405) 325-1873. For games in Oklahoma City at Don E. Porter Hall of for the University of Oklahoma athletics. Fame Stadium, access to phones is also limited. Media should contact AT&T at (800) 640-7250 to arrange their own lines. SOONER SPORTS NETWORK RADIO GAME DAY MEDIA SERVICES Weekly OU and Big 12 media releases are provided to media covering home BRIAN BRINKLEY softball games prior to the first pitch. The Oklahoma media relations staff Play-by-play - Sooner Sports Network uses The Automated Scorebook to provide box scores and play-by-play immediately following the completion of each game. After a brief 10-minute cooling-off period following the game, all coaches and players will be available for interviews. The media relations staff will also provide a game summary which will be e-mailed to all local media and those outlets that request it. INTERVIEWING COACH GASSO Media members wishing to interview Head Coach Patty Gasso may call her directly at (405) 325-8371. Coach Gasso is generally available for interviews weekday mornings and early afternoons prior to practice. INTERVIEWING STUDENT-ATHLETES Interviews with the University of Oklahoma softball players must be arranged through Jessica Summers of the OU Athletics Media Relations Office and requested at least 24 hours in advance. Please call Summers at (405) 325-8372. OU SOFTBALL RADIO BROADCAST SOONERSPORTS.COM SCHEDULE For the latest information on OU softball, including schedule, results, rosters, stats, game notes, standings, interviews and photos, visit the official March 25 USA Olympic Team KOKC web site of University of Oklahoma athletics at www.SoonerSports.com. April 2 at Oklahoma State KOKC Fans can also purchase an All-Access pass which will carry live video and April 5 Missouri KOKC audio feeds of numerous games this season. April 6 Missouri KOKC April 10 Texas Tech (DH) Internet/KOKC April 12 Texas A&M KOKC April 13 Texas A&M KOKC April 23 Oklahoma State KOKC April 26 Texas KOKC April 27 Texas KOKC May 5-11 Big 12 Championship TBA May 16-18 NCAA Regionals TBA May 23-25 NCAA Super Regionals TBA May 28-June 4 NCAA WCWS TBA 37 THREE BIG 12 REGULAR SEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS THREE BIG 12 POSTSEASON CHAMPIONSHIPS FIVE WCWS APPEARANCES 2008 OKLAHOMA SOFTBALL MEDIA GUIDE BIG 12 CONFERENCE

A CONFERENCE OF EXCELLENCE. The conference conducts championships for 20 of its 21 sports. Each championship The Big 12 Conference has been synonymous with success in competitive play and helps to determine teams and/or individuals that will represent the Conference in in the classroom as it moves through its 12th season, and league members anticipate national postseason competition. The winner of the Big 12 football championship game continued success during the 2007-08 academic year. earns the league’s berth into the prestigious Bowl Championship Series. In the fi rst 11 years of the Big 12, the conference can boast of 30 team and over 350 in- In the last several years the Big 12 has increased its bowl agreements and expanded dividual NCAA Championships. The success continued during 2006-07, with team titles television opportunities for all sports through contracts with ABC/ESPN, FSN and CSTV. in men’s cross country (Colorado) and women’s volleyball (Nebraska) in addition to Most recently, the league renewed and expanded its multi-year arrangement with numerous individual crowns. The league added another individual crown this fall, when ABC/ESPN, Inc. Texas Tech’s Sally Kipyego repeated to earn the NCAA women’s cross country title. In its 11-year history, the conference has distributed $913.2 million to its 12 member Over the past three seasons alone a total of 11 NCAA trophies have been hoisted by institutions. Big 12 institutions, with at least one national crown won in 10 of 11 years for the conference, including each of the past 10 seasons. The Big 12 staff administers to over 4,600 student-athletes in 21 sports. The conference is headquartered in Irving, Texas. Through the fi rst 10 Bowl Championship Series title games, the Big 12 leads all conferences with fi ve appearances in the contest. Big 12 squads have played for the football national championship fi ve times in the last nine years, with berths in 14 BCS games BIG 12 CONFERENCE overall.

In basketball, eight men’s and women’s teams have advanced to their respective Final DAN BEEBE Fours in the past six seasons as the Big 12 continues its place among the elite intercol- Commissioner legiate athletic conferences. Numerous national honors have been won by men’s and women’s student-athletes during conference history, with Kevin Durant (Texas) the most recent to garner accolades as the consensus 2007 National Player of the Year.

The Big 12 and its member institutions are committed to a competitive environment TIM ALLEN where sportsmanship and fair play take center stage. Whether on the fi eld, in the class- Associate Commissioner room, or within the community the student-athletes, administrators, coaches and game offi cials of the Big 12 support the highest ideals in sportsmanship. Big 12 student-athletes also do well in garnering national academic recognition. This BOB BURDA past season, two league standouts were named the Academic All-America of the Year Assistant Commissioner | Communications in their sport by ESPN The Magazine and the College Sports Information Directors of America. Nebraska’s Sarah Pavan (volleyball) boasted a 4.0 grade-point average in Biochemistry, while Aaron Ivey of Oklahoma (baseball) had a 4.0 GPA in Energy Management. Pavan also won the national academic honor presented for all sports. In addition, she was named recipient of the prestigious Honda-Broderick Award as Col- ASHLEY WALKER legiate Woman Athlete of the Year. She is the fi rst athlete since the Big 12 was formed Big 12 Intern | Softball Contact to earn the accolade.

Competitive excellence, scholarship and sportsmanship are all equal components of the Big 12 philosophy. All-Big 12 teams and Academic All-Big 12 squads are recognized for each sport at the end of their respective seasons.

At the end of each academic year, the Conference honors its top male and female student-athletes with the Big 12 Athlete of the Year and Big 12 Sportsperson of the Year awards.

Institutions can also nominate student-athletes for the prestigious Dr. Prentice Gautt Postgraduate Scholarships at the end of each academic year. A total of 177 scholars have received more than $1 million in postgraduate ﬁ nancial aid through the ﬁ rst 10 years of the program.

The Big 12 sponsors 21 sports. Men’s squads include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, indoor track & fi eld, outdoor track & fi eld, swimming & diving, tennis and wrestling. Women’s teams are fi elded in basketball, cross country, golf, gymnastics, indoor track & fi eld, outdoor track & fi eld, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis and volleyball.

The conference is made up of 12 institutions that have shared many traditional rivalries throughout their histories. Member schools include - Baylor University, University of Colorado, Iowa State University, University of Kansas, Kansas State University, University of Missouri, University of Nebraska, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, University of Texas, Texas A&M University and Texas Tech University.

The institutions created a league that encompasses seven states, over 45 million 38 people and more than 18 million television households within its geographic footprint. 2000 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS 14 STRAIGHT NCAA APPEARANCES 28 ALL-AMERICANS 47 FIRST TEAM ALL-BIG 12 HONOREES

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