Nicole May and Kinzie Hansen Named Co-Head Coaches of the Oklahoma Association Softball Program

A New Era Begins for Oklahoma Softball: Two Legends Return to Lead the Charge

In a groundbreaking move that could redefine leadership in regional softball, the Oklahoma Association has announced the appointment of Nicole May and Kinzie Hansen as co-head coaches of its premier softball program. Both May and Hansen are celebrated former players of the University of Oklahoma (OU) softball dynasty, and their joint return marks a fusion of elite playing experience, tactical expertise, and passionate leadership.

From Sooner Legends to Coaching Icons in the Making

Nicole May: The Ice-Cool Competitor with a Pitcher’s Precision

Nicole May, once the ace of the Oklahoma pitching staff, carved out a storied collegiate career defined by her unwavering composure, elite control, and clutch performances. Originally from Pleasanton, California, May became a staple of OU’s dominant pitching rotation during one of the most successful eras in college softball history.

She was instrumental in Oklahoma’s back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022, offering critical innings in high-pressure situations. May was known for her maturity beyond her years, her elite spin rate, and her ability to manipulate pitches with surgical precision.

Her transition into coaching began shortly after graduation, where she served as a pitching consultant and assistant coach at the high school and club levels, eventually climbing the ranks within the Oklahoma Association’s coaching network. Her journey has now come full circle.

Kinzie Hansen: The Vocal Leader Behind the Plate

If Nicole May was the silent assassin on the mound, Kinzie Hansen was the heartbeat of the Oklahoma softball team during her tenure as a catcher. A native of Norco, California, Hansen’s leadership, defensive prowess, and offensive power made her one of the most respected and versatile players in the nation.

She was a three-time All-American and a vital part of OU’s national championships, commanding the field with her voice, framing skills, and game-calling abilities. Hansen’s bat was also a weapon, producing multiple clutch home runs and consistently hitting for both power and average.

After her playing days, Hansen remained deeply embedded in the sport. She worked as a volunteer assistant at OU, then as a recruiting coordinator for the Oklahoma Association’s youth development teams. Her coaching style is passionate, detail-oriented, and motivational.

A Dual Leadership Model: Co-Head Coaches with Complementary Skillsets

Why Two? The Vision Behind the Appointment

The Oklahoma Association’s decision to appoint co-head coaches is not without precedent, but rarely has it been done with such star power. Executive Director LaToya Richmond explained the rationale behind the move:

“Nicole and Kinzie bring two sides of the game together. Nicole understands the cerebral, mechanical, and analytical elements of pitching. Kinzie brings leadership, communication, and a deep understanding of game flow. Together, they offer our athletes a complete 360-degree developmental experience.”

This decision reflects a broader trend in sports leadership: collaborative coaching models that emphasize teamwork and balance over traditional hierarchies. The Association believes this approach can better prepare athletes for collegiate and international competition.

A Homecoming Steeped in Legacy and Responsibility

The Oklahoma Connection: Mentored by Patty Gasso

Both May and Hansen are products of the legendary Patty Gasso system, arguably the most successful coach in college softball history. Under Gasso’s tutelage, they not only won championships but learned how to lead, adapt, and excel under pressure.

In many ways, their appointment represents the next generation of Gasso’s coaching tree — leaders who are not only tacticians but mentors, ambassadors, and innovators.

A Culture of Excellence, Reimagined

The Oklahoma Association is one of the most prominent development pipelines in the Midwest, feeding talent into major college programs, including the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and beyond. The May-Hansen era is expected to reinforce a culture of discipline, humility, and competitive excellence — but also to modernize the approach, using technology, advanced analytics, and player-centric training methods.

Reactions from the Softball World

Patty Gasso’s Response: “They Were Born to Lead”

In a statement released shortly after the announcement, Patty Gasso praised the appointments:

“Nicole and Kinzie are not just former players — they are two of the smartest and most prepared minds I’ve ever coached. They were born to lead. I’m excited to watch them build something special.”

Alumni, Players, and Parents Weigh In

The reaction from the broader softball community was overwhelmingly positive. Former players expressed excitement on social media, calling it a “historic move.” Parents of current players praised the duo’s reputation for communication and mentorship.

“When you know your daughter is being coached by two people who’ve lived the game at the highest level, you rest easy,” said one parent from Tulsa. “This is a dream team.”

Coaching Philosophies and Future Goals

Player Development at the Core

Nicole May emphasized a data-driven yet human-centered approach to development. She plans to integrate wearable tracking technology, biomechanics evaluations, and individualized pitching plans.

Hansen, meanwhile, highlighted the importance of mental conditioning, culture-building, and team chemistry:

“We’re going to demand excellence, but we’re going to teach athletes how to enjoy the process. It’s not just about getting recruited — it’s about becoming the best version of yourself on and off the field.”

Long-Term Vision: National Dominance

The duo outlined a five-year vision that includes:

• Expanding recruiting pipelines
• Building elite travel ball teams
• Hosting national showcases
• Partnering with colleges for recruiting access
• Launching an in-house mental wellness and sports psychology program

Their aim is to make the Oklahoma Association not just a regional power, but a national gold standard for softball development.

Challenges Ahead: Expectations, Competition, and Modernization

Managing Expectations in a Championship Culture

Taking over a program with high expectations is no small feat. The Oklahoma Association has historically dominated regional circuits. Maintaining that standard while bringing in new methods will require delicate balance.

Navigating the Club Ball Ecosystem

May and Hansen will also need to navigate the high-stakes world of club softball, where player movement, tournament politics, and recruiting timelines add complexity to every decision. Their credibility gives them an edge, but managing logistics, scheduling, and parent expectations is no easy task.

Modernizing Infrastructure

While the coaching talent is elite, the duo is also expected to spearhead efforts to upgrade training facilities, integrate AI scouting tools, and improve academic support structures for student-athletes.

The Road Ahead: What Comes Next?

First Official Tryouts and Staff Announcements

The first tryouts under May and Hansen will take place in early June, with a record number of applicants already signed up. The coaching duo will also announce their full staff in the coming weeks, expected to include:

• Strength & conditioning specialists
• Data analysts
• Assistant coaches with D1 playing experience

National Schedule and Showcase Events

They’ve already confirmed participation in major summer showcases across Texas, Georgia, and California. These events will be critical in giving their players exposure to top recruiters from the SEC, Pac-12, and Big Ten.

Conclusion: A Bold Leap into the Future of Softball

The appointment of Nicole May and Kinzie Hansen as co-head coaches of the Oklahoma Association is a seismic moment in the world of softball. It symbolizes not only a reunion of two iconic players but a reimagination of what coaching and leadership can look like in today’s high-performance sports environment.

With deep roots in Oklahoma, unmatched credibility, and a shared vision for the future, May and Hansen are poised to lead a generation of athletes into greatness — just as they once were led.

The diamond has two new commanders, and Oklahoma softball is watching with eager eyes.