College softball coach rankings: USA TODAY's top 10 ahead of NCAA Tournament

Patty Gasso of Oklahoma stands as the undisputed top coach in college softball history, having transformed the Sooners into a dynasty since taking over in 1995. She inherited a program playing on recreational fields and has since led the development of Love’s Field, one of the sport’s premier stadiums. The 2026 NCAA Softball Tournament begins May 15, and USA TODAY’s rankings highlight Gasso’s dominance alongside other elite active coaches. Texas’ Mike White, UCLA’s Kelly Inouye-Perez, and Florida State’s Lonni Alameda have each won recent national titles, while Alabama’s Patrick Murphy and Florida’s Tim Walton lead historically strong programs. Three of the top 10 coaches—Kenny Gajewski (Oklahoma State), Lonni Alameda, and Heather Tarr (Washington)—have ties to Gasso’s Oklahoma program. Washington’s Heather Tarr, ranked 10th, has an 853-326-1 record and won a national title in 2009 with star pitcher Danielle Lawrie. Texas Tech’s Gerry Glasco, at 9th, boasts a .791 career winning percentage and led the Red Raiders to a runner-up finish in his first season. Oklahoma State’s Kenny Gajewski (8th) has five WCWS appearances and a strong recruiting reputation, while Tennessee’s Karen Weekly (7th) holds 1,384 career wins but remains title-less after nine WCWS appearances. Florida State’s Lonni Alameda (6th) has a 2018 national championship and two runner-up finishes, dominating the ACC with a 860-234-2 record. Alabama’s Patrick Murphy (5th) and Florida’s Tim Walton (4th) lead powerhouse programs, though recent titles have eluded them. Completing the top 10 are Texas’ Mike White (3rd), UCLA’s Kelly Inouye-Perez (2nd), and Oklahoma’s Patty Gasso (1st), cementing her legacy as the sport’s greatest coach.