She’s back where it all began. In a move that has Sooner Nation buzzing, legendary Oklahoma pitcher Paige Parker is set to return to the program—this time in a coaching role. Multiple sources close to the team have confirmed that Parker is expected to join the OU softball coaching staff ahead of the 2026 season.
Parker, who was a three-time Big 12 Pitcher of the Year and helped lead the Sooners to back-to-back national championships in 2016 and 2017, is widely considered one of the most iconic athletes in OU softball history. Her icy composure, dominating rise ball, and unshakable presence in the circle made her a household name across college softball.
Now, nearly seven years after throwing her final pitch in crimson and cream, Parker is returning to the place where she became a legend. But this time, she won’t be stepping into the circle—she’ll be stepping into the dugout as a mentor, leader, and future-building force.
Fans and former teammates alike are expressing disbelief and excitement. “This is monumental,” said former OU catcher Lea Wodach. “She knows what it takes to win it all, and she’s going to bring that championship mindset back into the program.”
Since graduating, Parker has quietly built a coaching résumé that’s turning heads. She’s made assistant coaching stops at Tulsa, Utah, and most recently, Texas A&M, where she helped revamp their pitching staff. Those close to her say this return to Norman has been in her heart for a while.
“She bleeds crimson,” one insider shared. “She’s been waiting for the right moment—and this is it. The timing couldn’t be better for her, or for the program.”
For head coach Patty Gasso, bringing Parker back into the fold is more than a coaching decision—it’s a culture move. Gasso has long said that former players who understand the Sooner way are the best stewards of its legacy. And few understand that legacy better than Parker.
Social media has already erupted with emotional reactions. “Goosebumps. She’s one of the reasons I fell in love with softball,” one fan posted. Another wrote, “This is like Michael Jordan coaching the Bulls. You just don’t get stories like this every day.”
Parker’s return is also seen as a strategic move as the Sooners prepare to enter a new era of college softball. With the SEC transition looming, Oklahoma needs not just talent, but proven leadership. Parker brings both in spades.
No formal announcement has been made by the university yet, but insiders say the deal is “99% done,” with an official press conference expected within the week. If confirmed, it will mark one of the most emotional and exciting homecomings in college softball history.
For now, Sooner fans can only imagine what it will be like to see #8 back in Norman—not as a pitcher, but as a guiding force behind the next generation of champions.
