Former Texas A&M Head Coach Trisha Ford Joins Oklahoma Sooners Softball Staff

Norman, OK – March 26, 2025

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college softball world, former Texas A&M head coach Trisha Ford has officially joined the University of Oklahoma Sooners’ coaching staff. The hiring of Ford, a veteran coach with a proven track record of success, is expected to further solidify Oklahoma’s dominance in collegiate softball.

A Blockbuster Addition to the Sooners’ Dynasty

Oklahoma head coach Patty Gasso, who has led the program to multiple national championships, wasted no time in making the announcement. “Trisha Ford is one of the best minds in college softball today,” Gasso said. “Her ability to develop talent, especially in the pitching circle, is unmatched. We are thrilled to welcome her to the Sooners family.”

Ford’s hiring comes at a crucial time for Oklahoma. After winning back-to-back-to-back Women’s College World Series (WCWS) titles from 2021-2023, the Sooners are in the midst of transitioning into the SEC. Adding Ford’s experience—especially from her recent tenure at Texas A&M—provides a strategic advantage as Oklahoma prepares to compete in the toughest softball conference in the country.

Ford’s Journey to Norman

Trisha Ford’s coaching career has been nothing short of impressive. She started at Saint Mary’s before moving on to Stanford as an assistant coach. Her success at Fresno State propelled her into a Power Five head coaching role at Arizona State, where she led the Sun Devils to the 2018 WCWS.

In 2022, she made the leap to Texas A&M, where she revitalized the Aggies’ softball program. Under her leadership, Texas A&M made consecutive deep postseason runs, culminating in a 2024 Super Regional appearance.

However, in a surprising turn of events, Ford opted to step away from the head coaching position at Texas A&M following the 2024 season. While speculation swirled about her next move, few expected her to land at Oklahoma—one of A&M’s soon-to-be SEC rivals.

What Ford Brings to Oklahoma

Ford is widely regarded as one of the best pitching coaches in the nation. Her ability to recruit and develop elite pitchers has been evident throughout her career. Some of her former players have gone on to earn All-American honors and professional contracts.

With Oklahoma losing some of its star pitchers to graduation and the transfer portal, Ford’s expertise will be invaluable in maintaining the Sooners’ dominance in the circle. She is expected to take over pitching development and scouting, working alongside longtime Sooners assistant Jennifer Rocha.

“I’m beyond excited to join Coach Gasso and the Sooners,” Ford said in a statement. “Oklahoma is the pinnacle of college softball, and I can’t wait to contribute to this incredible program.”

Reactions from the Softball World

The news of Ford’s hiring has been met with a mix of excitement and shock. Many Texas A&M fans have expressed disappointment at losing a coach who was instrumental in their program’s resurgence.

Meanwhile, Oklahoma fans are ecstatic. “Getting Trisha Ford is like adding an All-Star to an already stacked roster,” said one Sooners fan on social media. “This is a game-changer.”

Analysts also agree that Ford’s move could shift the balance of power even further in Oklahoma’s favor. “This is a massive addition,” said ESPN softball analyst Jessica Mendoza. “Ford is one of the best coaches in the country, and now she’s joining a team that’s already dominant. It’s almost unfair.”

Looking Ahead

With Ford on staff, Oklahoma is poised to continue its reign as the premier program in college softball. The Sooners are already favorites to win another national championship, and Ford’s presence only strengthens their case.

Her first official game on the Oklahoma coaching staff will come against her former team, Texas A&M, in the Sooners’ SEC opener in 2025—a matchup that now carries even more intrigue.

One thing is certain: with Trisha Ford now in Norman, the Oklahoma Sooners just got even better.