Tulsa Tabs DJ Gasso as Head Softball Coach
6/5/2026 10:00:00 AM | Softball
TULSA, Okla. — DJ Gasso has been named the seventh head coach in Tulsa Softball history, Vice President and Director of Athletics Justin Moore announced on Friday. Gasso, one of the preeminent hitting coaches in the country, spent the last three seasons at Arkansas, helping the Razorbacks to the program's first Women's College World Series this season behind one of the best offenses in the nation.
"I could not be more thankful and excited to be the next head coach at the University of Tulsa," said Gasso. "I am grateful for Coach (Courtney) Deifel and everyone at Arkansas for the last three years to help me get to where I am today. To fulfill a lifelong dream in my home state means everything. Tulsa Softball has seen days of excellence, and our intention is to bring that back."
"We are excited to welcome DJ as the next leader of Tulsa softball," said Moore. "Throughout the hiring process it became clear that he possesses all the necessary qualities of what we were looking for in a head coach. His resumé speaks for itself, as he has been one of the best hitting coaches in the nation for the last several seasons. We are confident our program is in great hands and cannot wait for the spring."
Under Gasso's guidance the Razorbacks set numerous program offensive records, including runs scored, RBI, walks, doubles, on-base percentage, batting average and sacrifice flies. This season the Razorbacks ranked among the best in the country in batting average (18th, .340), doubles (22nd, 97), hits (21st, 522), home runs (26th, 81), on-base percentage (11th, .441), RBI (10th, 413), runs (10th, 450), slugging percentage (20th, .567), and walks (14th, 251).
Gasso's high-powered offense has won 26 games this season via the run rule, an Arkansas program record, while only winning 21 times in seven innings. This season the Razorbacks became the second team in NCAA history to win their first five games in the NCAA Tournament via the run rule. In Gasso's three seasons in Fayetteville, the Razorbacks are 111-4 (.965) when outhitting the opponent.
Thanks to Gasso's tutelage, Ella McDowell earned 2026 First Team All-American honors from the NFCA, hitting .337 with 11 home runs, 56 RBI, and an OPS of 1.007. Gasso also coached Bri Ellis into one of the best hitters in America in 2025, earned USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year honors with a .440 batting average, 26 home runs, 72 RBI, and a 1.726 OPS, setting school records in home runs, RBI, runs scored, slugging percentage, and on-base percentage. In Ellis' first season with Gasso, she saw a major increase in batting average, slugging percentage, and on-base percentage and eventually taken No. 2 overall in the AUSL Draft.
Prior to Arkansas, Gasso was the hitting coach for Utah for three seasons. Gasso helped the Utes win the 2023 Pac-12 Tournament Championship and eventually reach the WCWS, the program's first appearance in Oklahoma City since 1994. He was part of the staff that was named the D1Softball National Coaching Staff of the Year as well as the ATEC/NFCA Pacific Region Coaching Staff of the Year. Under his watch, 11 Utah hitters earned NFCA All-Region honors along with a NFCA All-America nod.
In his first season at Utah in 2021, Gasso helped the Utes hit 46 home runs, their most in a season since 2012, and score 237 runs, their most since 2017. The team improved its batting average by 22 points in 2022 and four hitters earned All-Pac 12 honors, three named to the NFCA All-Region squad, and Ellessa Bonstrom earned All-American honors.
A native of Norman, Oklahoma, Gasso earned his bachelor's degree in communications from Bradley University in 2017 where he played two seasons of baseball after one year at Hutchinson Community College. He finished his playing career at Central Oklahoma in 2018 and earned a master's degree in intercollegiate athletics administration from Oklahoma, while serving as a graduate manager with the softball team.
A graduate of Norman North High School, Gasso is the son of Oklahoma head coach Patty Gasso and the brother of Oklahoma associate head coach JT Gasso. His father, Jim Gasso, was the former the head softball coach at Mid-America Christian University in Oklahoma City.
DJ and his wife Grace have a son, Parker, and daughter Glory.
What They're Saying
Patti Gasso - Oklahoma Head Coach
I couldn't be more proud of the young man, father, and coach that DJ has become. Watching him develop his craft as an assistant at Utah and Arkansas and seeing his passion for the game and for his players, he has become incredibly special. The University of Tulsa is getting not only an outstanding coach, but a person of tremendous character who is deeply committed to building a competitive team and program. Our family is so proud of DJ, and I know he will pour everything he has into those young women and his program.
Courtney Deifel – Arkansas Head Coach
DJ Gasso is a proven winner and one of the brightest coaches in our game. His ability to develop student-athletes, build strong relationships, and lead with great integrity makes him an outstanding choice to lead the Tulsa program. Tulsa is gaining a tremendous coach, but more importantly, an exceptional person. We will certainly miss DJ and his family, but we'll be proud fans of the Golden Hurricane and are excited to watch all the accomplish.
Missy Lombardi – Oregon Head Coach
The University of Tulsa has made a great hire in DJ Gasso. DJ has learned from some of the very best in the game and is everything you could ever want in a head coach. He has coaching in his DNA. He has developed players at every level and is committed to helping his players succeed on and off the field. There is no doubt in my mind that DJ will do great things at Tulsa.
Amy Hogue – Utah Head Coach
DJ Gasso is one of the most talented young coaches in our game and it's been rewarding to watch his journey. I had the privilege of hiring DJ at Utah, and from day one it was obvious that he possessed a unique combination of softball knowledge, relentless work ethic, and an ability to connect with people. Tulsa has found the right person to lead its program and my guess is they have no idea how great DJ will be! He is ready and he will build a winning culture and achieve tremendous success as a head coach.
Mike Candrea – Former Arizona Head Coach
Few people have grown up around the game the way DJ Gasso has, but what impresses me most is not where he comes from – it's the coach and leader he has become. DJ has a tremendous work ethic, a great feel for people, and a clear vision for building a successful program. He understands that championships are built on culture, trust, and daily commitment to excellence. Tulsa has made a tremendous hire, and I am excited to watch the impact DJ will have on the program, the university, and the young women he will lead.
Trish Ford – Texas A&M Head Coach
I am excited for DJ and his family on this tremendous opportunity. He has been a part of championship-caliber programs, has helped build programs, and has consistently developed players. His ability to connect with his student-athletes, knowledge, and most importantly his passion for the game is going to make a significant impact at Tulsa right away. I am excited to see the footprint he will make on a storied program and the growth he will bring to his athletes on and off the field.
Tim Walton – Florida Head Coach
Congratulations to the University of Tulsa. Not only have they hired an outstanding head softball coach, but they have also gained a tremendous young man and family to the Tulsa area. Coach DJ Gasso is hard working and a relentless recruiter, who prides himself on building great relationships.
Tony Baldwin – Georgia Head Coach
Great hire by Tulsa. DJ has impacted winning everywhere he's been and he develops hitters as well as anyone in the country. His softball IQ is wise beyond his years. He earned this chair. Tulsa's going to feel a difference fast. I'm excited to watch him go.
Samantha Ricketts – Mississippi State Head Coach
DJ is one of the brightest young coaches in our game, and I've enjoyed watching his growth and impact over his career. He has a unique ability to connect with people, develop student-athletes, and build a culture that brings out the best in those around him. I'm excited to see the vision, energy, and passion he will bring to Tulsa Softball and look forward to watching the Golden Hurricane continue to grow under his leadership.
Holly Rowe – ESPN
DJ has proven to be one of the best hitting coaches in the country, leading Arkansas to its first Women's College World Series and helping Utah get there in 2023. He is dynamic and can immediately have a positive impact on Tulsa Softball! Plus, he has deep Oklahoma roots!
Visit www.TulsaHurricane.com for the latest news and information on the softball program. Fans can also follow the team on X, Facebook and Instagram.
"I could not be more thankful and excited to be the next head coach at the University of Tulsa," said Gasso. "I am grateful for Coach (Courtney) Deifel and everyone at Arkansas for the last three years to help me get to where I am today. To fulfill a lifelong dream in my home state means everything. Tulsa Softball has seen days of excellence, and our intention is to bring that back."
"We are excited to welcome DJ as the next leader of Tulsa softball," said Moore. "Throughout the hiring process it became clear that he possesses all the necessary qualities of what we were looking for in a head coach. His resumé speaks for itself, as he has been one of the best hitting coaches in the nation for the last several seasons. We are confident our program is in great hands and cannot wait for the spring."
Under Gasso's guidance the Razorbacks set numerous program offensive records, including runs scored, RBI, walks, doubles, on-base percentage, batting average and sacrifice flies. This season the Razorbacks ranked among the best in the country in batting average (18th, .340), doubles (22nd, 97), hits (21st, 522), home runs (26th, 81), on-base percentage (11th, .441), RBI (10th, 413), runs (10th, 450), slugging percentage (20th, .567), and walks (14th, 251).
Gasso's high-powered offense has won 26 games this season via the run rule, an Arkansas program record, while only winning 21 times in seven innings. This season the Razorbacks became the second team in NCAA history to win their first five games in the NCAA Tournament via the run rule. In Gasso's three seasons in Fayetteville, the Razorbacks are 111-4 (.965) when outhitting the opponent.
Thanks to Gasso's tutelage, Ella McDowell earned 2026 First Team All-American honors from the NFCA, hitting .337 with 11 home runs, 56 RBI, and an OPS of 1.007. Gasso also coached Bri Ellis into one of the best hitters in America in 2025, earned USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year honors with a .440 batting average, 26 home runs, 72 RBI, and a 1.726 OPS, setting school records in home runs, RBI, runs scored, slugging percentage, and on-base percentage. In Ellis' first season with Gasso, she saw a major increase in batting average, slugging percentage, and on-base percentage and eventually taken No. 2 overall in the AUSL Draft.
Prior to Arkansas, Gasso was the hitting coach for Utah for three seasons. Gasso helped the Utes win the 2023 Pac-12 Tournament Championship and eventually reach the WCWS, the program's first appearance in Oklahoma City since 1994. He was part of the staff that was named the D1Softball National Coaching Staff of the Year as well as the ATEC/NFCA Pacific Region Coaching Staff of the Year. Under his watch, 11 Utah hitters earned NFCA All-Region honors along with a NFCA All-America nod.
In his first season at Utah in 2021, Gasso helped the Utes hit 46 home runs, their most in a season since 2012, and score 237 runs, their most since 2017. The team improved its batting average by 22 points in 2022 and four hitters earned All-Pac 12 honors, three named to the NFCA All-Region squad, and Ellessa Bonstrom earned All-American honors.
A native of Norman, Oklahoma, Gasso earned his bachelor's degree in communications from Bradley University in 2017 where he played two seasons of baseball after one year at Hutchinson Community College. He finished his playing career at Central Oklahoma in 2018 and earned a master's degree in intercollegiate athletics administration from Oklahoma, while serving as a graduate manager with the softball team.
A graduate of Norman North High School, Gasso is the son of Oklahoma head coach Patty Gasso and the brother of Oklahoma associate head coach JT Gasso. His father, Jim Gasso, was the former the head softball coach at Mid-America Christian University in Oklahoma City.
DJ and his wife Grace have a son, Parker, and daughter Glory.
What They're Saying
Patti Gasso - Oklahoma Head Coach
I couldn't be more proud of the young man, father, and coach that DJ has become. Watching him develop his craft as an assistant at Utah and Arkansas and seeing his passion for the game and for his players, he has become incredibly special. The University of Tulsa is getting not only an outstanding coach, but a person of tremendous character who is deeply committed to building a competitive team and program. Our family is so proud of DJ, and I know he will pour everything he has into those young women and his program.
Courtney Deifel – Arkansas Head Coach
DJ Gasso is a proven winner and one of the brightest coaches in our game. His ability to develop student-athletes, build strong relationships, and lead with great integrity makes him an outstanding choice to lead the Tulsa program. Tulsa is gaining a tremendous coach, but more importantly, an exceptional person. We will certainly miss DJ and his family, but we'll be proud fans of the Golden Hurricane and are excited to watch all the accomplish.
Missy Lombardi – Oregon Head Coach
The University of Tulsa has made a great hire in DJ Gasso. DJ has learned from some of the very best in the game and is everything you could ever want in a head coach. He has coaching in his DNA. He has developed players at every level and is committed to helping his players succeed on and off the field. There is no doubt in my mind that DJ will do great things at Tulsa.
Amy Hogue – Utah Head Coach
DJ Gasso is one of the most talented young coaches in our game and it's been rewarding to watch his journey. I had the privilege of hiring DJ at Utah, and from day one it was obvious that he possessed a unique combination of softball knowledge, relentless work ethic, and an ability to connect with people. Tulsa has found the right person to lead its program and my guess is they have no idea how great DJ will be! He is ready and he will build a winning culture and achieve tremendous success as a head coach.
Mike Candrea – Former Arizona Head Coach
Few people have grown up around the game the way DJ Gasso has, but what impresses me most is not where he comes from – it's the coach and leader he has become. DJ has a tremendous work ethic, a great feel for people, and a clear vision for building a successful program. He understands that championships are built on culture, trust, and daily commitment to excellence. Tulsa has made a tremendous hire, and I am excited to watch the impact DJ will have on the program, the university, and the young women he will lead.
Trish Ford – Texas A&M Head Coach
I am excited for DJ and his family on this tremendous opportunity. He has been a part of championship-caliber programs, has helped build programs, and has consistently developed players. His ability to connect with his student-athletes, knowledge, and most importantly his passion for the game is going to make a significant impact at Tulsa right away. I am excited to see the footprint he will make on a storied program and the growth he will bring to his athletes on and off the field.
Tim Walton – Florida Head Coach
Congratulations to the University of Tulsa. Not only have they hired an outstanding head softball coach, but they have also gained a tremendous young man and family to the Tulsa area. Coach DJ Gasso is hard working and a relentless recruiter, who prides himself on building great relationships.
Tony Baldwin – Georgia Head Coach
Great hire by Tulsa. DJ has impacted winning everywhere he's been and he develops hitters as well as anyone in the country. His softball IQ is wise beyond his years. He earned this chair. Tulsa's going to feel a difference fast. I'm excited to watch him go.
Samantha Ricketts – Mississippi State Head Coach
DJ is one of the brightest young coaches in our game, and I've enjoyed watching his growth and impact over his career. He has a unique ability to connect with people, develop student-athletes, and build a culture that brings out the best in those around him. I'm excited to see the vision, energy, and passion he will bring to Tulsa Softball and look forward to watching the Golden Hurricane continue to grow under his leadership.
Holly Rowe – ESPN
DJ has proven to be one of the best hitting coaches in the country, leading Arkansas to its first Women's College World Series and helping Utah get there in 2023. He is dynamic and can immediately have a positive impact on Tulsa Softball! Plus, he has deep Oklahoma roots!
Visit www.TulsaHurricane.com for the latest news and information on the softball program. Fans can also follow the team on X, Facebook and Instagram.
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