OU Softball Notepad: Patty Gasso confident Kierston Deal will regain pitching rhythm

Gasso discusses Kai Minor's early impact, Kierston Deal's struggles, and Karlie Keeney's progress as interim pitching coach.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Oklahoma softball coach Patty Gasso discussed several topics ahead of the team's trip to the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic in California. Gasso expressed confidence that veteran pitcher Kierston Deal will bounce back after a rough start to the season, praised the early impact of freshman outfielder Kai Minor, and said the transition to interim pitching coach Karlie Keeney has gone more smoothly in the second week.

Why it matters

Oklahoma is one of the top softball programs in the country, and Gasso's comments provide insight into the team's early-season challenges and adjustments as they prepare for a tough tournament schedule against ranked opponents.

The details

Gasso discussed the team's upcoming schedule at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic, where the No. 4-ranked Sooners will face several ranked foes including No. 17 Duke and No. 23 Washington. She praised the play of freshman outfielder Kai Minor, who has made a strong early impression at the plate and in the field. Gasso also addressed the struggles of veteran pitcher Kierston Deal, expressing confidence that Deal will regain her form with the help of pitching coach Jennifer Rocha, who is currently on leave due to a health issue. Interim pitching coach Karlie Keeney has also settled in more after a challenging first weekend, with Gasso saying the team has found a smoother process for in-game pitching decisions.

  • The Sooners will travel to California later this week for the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic.
  • The tournament runs from Thursday, February 20 through Sunday, February 23.

The players

Patty Gasso

The head coach of the Oklahoma softball team, which is currently ranked No. 4 in the country.

Kierston Deal

A veteran pitcher for the Oklahoma softball team who has struggled early this season, posting an 18.67 ERA through her first three innings of work.

Jennifer Rocha

The Oklahoma softball team's pitching coach, who is currently on leave due to a health issue.

Kai Minor

A freshman outfielder for the Oklahoma softball team who has made an early impact, batting .520 with 13 hits, 10 runs, and 11 RBIs in six starts.

Karlie Keeney

The interim pitching coach for the Oklahoma softball team, taking over for Jennifer Rocha during her leave of absence.

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What they’re saying

“She's very unassuming. She is fast. She can rob balls, cover gaps, steal home runs. Offensively, she is more than a triple threat. She can lay down bunts, she can slap, she can chop it a mile high. But she's hitting bombs right now. So we're just letting her swing and just a really easy swing, but she's really strong. She looks thin but I know she's very strong. Just playing pretty free. Very, very athletic, is how I would describe her.”

— Patty Gasso, Head Coach (on3.com)

“If there's anything good about what's going on with coach Rocha, is she can watch us from the comfort of her lounge chair and be able to see what's going on. Sounds like there's a mechanical (issue) that we need to work on that we did today. (Deal) is a competitor. She's gonna keep competing. It doesn't maybe look effective, but I know KD. I know she's going to get there. I know she's that good of a pitcher. I know she knows how to compete. So it's just trying to fix in the bullpen a fundamental issue.”

— Patty Gasso, Head Coach (on3.com)

“I think it went better. I trust her, believe in her. She is working with Coach Rocha from afar and really gathering information as to how to pitch call and so forth. Karlie is a really smart pitching coach. She knows how to set up hitters. We allowed our catchers to call a few innings. I thought that worked well.”

— Patty Gasso, Head Coach (on3.com)

What’s next

The Sooners will continue their preparations for the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic, which runs from Thursday, February 20 through Sunday, February 23. Gasso and her staff will look to get Kierston Deal back on track and continue to integrate Kai Minor into the lineup as they face several ranked opponents in the tournament.

The takeaway

Despite some early-season challenges, Oklahoma softball remains one of the top programs in the country under Patty Gasso's leadership. The Sooners are confident they can work through their pitching issues and continue to develop young talent like Kai Minor as they gear up for a tough tournament schedule and the rest of the season.