Oklahoma Sooners Claim Nine SEC Honors as Softball Tournament Approaches

NORMAN, Okla. — The Oklahoma Sooners have achieved a remarkable feat, earning a total of nine All-Southeastern Conference Postseason honors as announced on Friday, May 9. Head Coach Patty Gasso received the SEC Coach of the Year award, while senior pitcher Alex Landry earned the SEC Newcomer of the Year title. This marks a standout moment as the Sooners are the only team to secure two superlative honors this season.

Six different Sooners contributed to the nine awards, which include first-team, second-team, and all-defensive team selections. Oklahoma also distinguished itself by having at least three players named to the SEC First Team and leading the league with the most all-defensive team picks. Landry, a key player for the Sooners, was recognized as a member of both the All-SEC First Team and All-Defensive Team.

Two of Landry’s teammates on the first team are redshirt-freshman Cydney Sanders and sophomore Kiertson Deal. Furthermore, freshman Mia Garcia garnered All-SEC Second Team honors, and both Garcia and second baseman Alyssa Agbayani were selected for the SEC All-Defensive Team. Gasso’s 16th conference coach of the year honor is especially significant as this is the program’s first season in the SEC.

The Sooners clinched the 2025 SEC Regular Season Championship outright with an impressive 17-7 record, featuring victories against top teams like No. 15 Arkansas and No. 3 Texas. Gasso has now led the Sooners to the top of the SEC for the 16th time in her career.

In the circle, Landry has excelled with a record of 19-4, positioning herself as one of the nation’s top pitchers, currently leading with 82 career wins. She has put together an impressive season, pitching 150.2 innings, striking out 154 batters while maintaining a .195 opponents’ batting average. The highlight of her season came during a one-hit victory against No. 9 LSU on May 8.

Freshman third baseman Emily McEnroe-Marinas has risen to prominence, tying for the SEC lead with 11 home runs in conference play. She also made the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Freshman of the Year Top 25 list. The duo of Lacey Pickering and Garcia have also made significant contributions, with Pickering holding an impressive .384 batting average against SEC opponents.

On the defensive end, Agbayani has shown outstanding skill, making only one error throughout the season and executing crucial plays that helped the team secure victories. As the Sooners prepare for the SEC Tournament semifinal against No. 6 Arkansas, they will aim to continue their success and push further in championship contention.

“It’s an honor to be recognized, but our focus remains on the next game,” Landry said after receiving her accolades. “We’re excited about what lies ahead in the tournament.”