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Patty Gasso explains what Marita Hynes means to her, plans to honor field

Grant Grubbsby:Grant Grubbs•05/26/23•

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Photo by Greg Nelson | Sports Illustrated via Getty Images

For Oklahoma softball players, Marita Hynes Field has been home for the past 25 years. Head coach Patty Gasso is no different.

After opening in 1998, Marita Hynes Field has seen endless success. Oklahoma has won 16 Big 12 regular season titles, made it to the super regionals 16 times, reached the Women’s College World Series 15 times and won six national titles in that quarter-century.

Every season was led by Gasso, and she’s thankful for every moment.

“My life was built right here,” Gasso said during a press conference on Wednesday.

A long road to Marita Hynes Field

“Built” is the right word. Oklahoma softball wasn’t always treated like a championship program. In her three years at the program before Marita Hynes Field was constructed, Gasso conducted the program from across the street at Reaves Park.

Beyond a better view, the new home base had its perks.

“I didn’t have to pick up trash before practice like we did over at Reaves Park. We didn’t get kicked off the field at 5 o’clock because they had slow pitch,” Gasso said. “I felt like we went from playing basketball on the blacktop to coming into a real gymnasium.”

A strong bond

As Oklahoma’s associate athletic director at the time, Marita Hynes was the one who made the spacious new home possible. Gasso still remembers the first time she met the legendary figure.

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“We had to go from Norman to Oklahoma City. We tried to leave real early,” Gasso recalled. “We drove about 20 miles per hour just to get up there and Marita Hynes had no idea where we were. So, she’s calling the highway patrol, trying to find out where we are and what happened. Are we OK?”

Ironically, the unusual introduction led to an unusually strong bond.

“She’s always been extremely caring. She was there after DJ was born. Besides my husband, she was the first one to hold him. There’s just always this family connection. I talk to her often. She’s the reason why I’m here.”

Gasso hopes to honor the special guest

Gasso will get a chance to talk to Hynes face-to-face on Friday. The former Oklahoma head coach is driving to watch the Sooners take on Clemson in Game 1 of the super regionals. If all goes according to plan, Gasso hopes to honor the special guest.

“We’re trying to get NCAA approval of the script and what it says,” Gasso said. “She’ll be front and center.”