Patty Gasso opened her tenure as USA Softball's newest head coach this weekend at the 2026 WBSC Women's Softball World Cup in Oklahoma City. The group stage at Devon Park is the first qualifying event for Olympic softball ahead of LA 28.
But Gasso already has her eyes on what's next.
"This is really the beginning of the realization that the Olympics are going to be here," she said.
Patty Gasso Makes USA Softball Coaching Debut
USA Softball formally introduced her as the women's national team head coach before group play began September 12th. She carries eight national titles and four consecutive championships at Oklahoma into the role.
And that experience is paying off.
The US has already routed Mexico, Brazil, and the Netherlands in group-stage play. They'll also face China, New Zealand, and South Africa before this year's tournament wraps.
The top two finishers here will advance to the World Cup Finals in Redcliffe, Australia next April, with a single Olympic spot up for grabs. Grasso, for her part, is already planning for Team USA's 2028 run in Oklahoma City.
"I think the expectation for USA in every sport when it comes to the Olympics is a gold medal, so the pressure is definitely real," she said. "We hope and trust that our fans will come out, and we hope all of us just showcase the best that we can."
