Oklahoma softball: Senior Michelle Gascoigne continues building on impressive career

NORMAN— Michelle Gascoigne’s role on the Oklahoma softball team would be difficult for any pitcher with her talents to accept.

The senior from Benicia, Calif. has spent most of her career as the Sooners No. 2 pitcher behind fellow senior—and three-time All-American—Keilani Ricketts.

Ricketts’ accomplishments in the circle are well known. For Gascoigne, her contributions haven’t been quite as obvious.

As the Sooners’ second option, Gascoigne has quietly become the school’s all-time leader in career winning percentage at .889 with a record of 40-5. More importantly to her team, she’s been just fine with her role as a complement to Ricketts.

“Michelle has always accepted her role very unselfishly,” Oklahoma coach Patty Gasso said. “I don’t think our team appreciates her as much as we should. They don’t make athletes like her very much anymore.”

Gascoigne knows she could’ve transferred and become the No. 1 pitcher at many schools. While she admits it hasn’t always been easy, she’s never considered going elsewhere.

“People do tell me that I could be the top pitcher somewhere else, but I believe I’m here for a reason and I wouldn’t want it any other way,” Gascoigne said.

“There are certain times where it gets frustrating when you don’t feel like you get any credit, but I’ve understood that’s not really what it’s about. It’s more about what my teammates think of me than anything else.”

This season, Gascoigne is off to an incredible start for the top-ranked Sooners. She owns an 8-1 record with a team-leading 0.99 ERA while striking out 96 batters in 54 2/3 innings pitched.