Patty Gasso’s ‘Chaos Coordinators’ Propel OU Softball Toward Another WCWS Title
NORMAN — As the Oklahoma Sooners gear up for another run at the Women’s College World Series (WCWS), head coach Patty Gasso has introduced a new element to her team’s dynamic. When outfielder Rylie Boone arrived at Love’s Field for last week’s super regional, she found a surprise in her locker: a desk name plate with the title “Chaos Coordinator.”
Boone shares this title with teammate Jayda Coleman, both of whom have become pivotal in adding a new dimension to OU’s powerful offense. While the Sooners continue to rely heavily on home runs — with over 41% of their 483 runs this season coming from the long ball — Boone and Coleman have been crucial in diversifying their scoring strategies.
“I think it’s pretty cool, me and Coleman having that rep,” Boone said. “It’s just constant, trying to push our defense constantly. In the box, they don’t know what we’re going to do. So just doing so much chaos but also being the lead of it, it’s super cool to know that you have that title but also your coach giving that title to me and Coleman.”
The second-seeded Sooners (54-6) will face Duke in their WCWS opener at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Devon Park, as they chase an unprecedented fourth consecutive national championship. Both Boone and Coleman showcased their impact during the super regional against Florida State.
In the third inning of the series opener, Boone executed a perfect bunt, which led to a crucial error by the Seminoles’ first baseman, allowing two runs to score. This play exemplified Boone’s ability to generate chaos and shift momentum in favor of the Sooners.
“When she comes up and lays down a bunt if you can’t get it immediately, you’re going to get beat,” Gasso said. “Anytime you can beat out a bunt against a team, momentum immediately comes into the dugout. That was big for us.”
The following day, it was Coleman’s turn. She led off the fifth inning with a single, advanced to third on another hit, and then scored on a wild pitch, breaking a tie and paving the way for a 4-2 victory that secured OU’s eighth consecutive WCWS berth.
The contributions of Boone and Coleman have been substantial, with the pair accounting for more than 22% of the Sooners’ total runs this season. Coleman ranks sixth nationally in runs per game and just outside the top 10 in on-base percentage. Their aggressive playing style has even caught the attention of rival teams, with Texas coach Mike White noting his team’s efforts to emulate Coleman’s approach.
“We need to be like that if we want to win,” White said.
For Gasso, the success of Boone and Coleman is no surprise. “She always gets it going,” Gasso said, referring to Coleman.
As the Sooners aim for another title, the role of the “Chaos Coordinators” will be crucial. Their ability to disrupt opponents and create scoring opportunities will be key to maintaining the team’s competitive edge. If OU is to clinch a fourth consecutive championship, they will undoubtedly rely on the chaos generated by Boone and Coleman.
