OU Head Coach Patty Gasso Praises Kai Minor's Game-Changing Speed

Gasso says Minor's speed is "intimidating" and a "weapon" for the Sooners this season.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 5:11pm

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OU softball head coach Patty Gasso spoke highly of freshman outfielder Kai Minor's game-changing speed following the Sooners' sweep of Auburn in their first SEC series. Gasso said Minor's speed is "intimidating" for opposing defenses and allows her to hit through gaps and steal bases on her own. The coach also praised the team's fan base for their support during the home series, saying the fans have created "a lot of momentum" for the Sooners.

Why it matters

Kai Minor's speed is a key asset for the OU softball team this season, as the Sooners look to build on their success in the first SEC series. Gasso's comments highlight how Minor's speed can disrupt opposing teams and give OU an advantage, especially as they hit the road for more conference play.

The details

In the Sooners' sweep of Auburn, Gasso said Minor's speed has become "a really outstanding hitter" for OU, allowing her to hit through gaps and steal bases on her own. The coach added that she needs to have Minor steal more bases to take advantage of her elite speed. Gasso also praised the OU fan base for their support during the home series, saying the fans have created "a lot of momentum" for the team despite the windy conditions.

  • OU swept Auburn in their first SEC series last weekend.
  • The Sooners play a one-game stop at Memphis on Wednesday before heading to Ole Miss this weekend.

The players

Patty Gasso

The head coach of the OU softball team, who has led the Sooners to multiple national championships.

Kai Minor

A freshman outfielder for the OU softball team, known for her game-changing speed.

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What they’re saying

“It's intimidating to say the least, but what she's doing is, besides just stealing bases, hitting a ball through a gap. I can't even catch up with her in the way I'm trying to send her. She's just doing it on her own, which always seems to work out.”

— Patty Gasso, Head Coach, OU Softball (on3.com)

“I feel great. I feel like we could take all these guys into war and we will be ready. I feel a difference of now they understand that this really counts more than what we were doing before, so there's a little more meaning behind it.”

— Patty Gasso, Head Coach, OU Softball (on3.com)

What’s next

The Sooners will play a one-game stop at Memphis on Wednesday before heading to Ole Miss for a weekend series.

The takeaway

Kai Minor's elite speed is a major weapon for the OU softball team this season, as evidenced by coach Patty Gasso's praise. The Sooners' fans have also provided a significant boost, creating momentum for the team during their first SEC series. As OU hits the road, Minor's speed and the team's fan support will be key factors in their continued success.