Oklahoma Women’s College World Series Champions Say They Play For A Higher Purpose

New York Times, Oklahoma Softball Caps Banner Season With 3rd Straight Title:

The Sooners became only the second team to claim three straight Division I softball titles and did so by ending the season on a record 53-game winning streak.

Catholic News Agency, Oklahoma Women’s College World Series Champions Say They Find Their Joy in Christ:

The University of Oklahoma’s women’s softball team made history June 8 by becoming the second team to ever win three national titles in a row when they defeated Florida State 3-1 in the Women’s College World Series at USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City.

Head Coach Patty Gasso and several of the players are devoted Christians who boldly praise God and share their faith. Gasso has shared that she credits God in shifting her mindset from focusing on winning games to instead focusing on winning souls.

During a press conference on June 6 ahead of the three-game series against Florida State, several of the OU softball players told journalists that their joy is found in Christ.

Team captain Grace Lyons was asked by an ESPN reporter how the women handle pressure and maintain their joy.

She responded: “The only way that you can have a joy that doesn’t fade away is from the Lord. Any other type of joy is actually happiness that comes from circumstances and outcomes.”

“Joy from the Lord is really the only thing that can keep you motivated — just in a good mindset no matter the outcomes,” she added. 

• ESPN, Oklahoma Softball and the Secrets Behind the Most Dominant Team in Sports
• OU Daily, 'A Greater Purpose Than Winning Ballgames': Grace Lyons' Faith, Leadership Define Five-Year Tenure With Sooners

(Hat Tip: Justice Jeff Boyd.)

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