Oklahoma Softball: Behind The Scenes With Sooners' Stars On Game Day

The Women's College World Series kicks off one week from Thursday in Oklahoma City, and there are high hopes for the Oklahoma Sooners to win back-to-back championships.

News 9's Robin Marsh continues an Oklahoma's Own Originals series, 'Chasing A Championship.'

In this story, Robin gives you an all-access pass into what happens on Game Day with Oklahoma softball.

At Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, the sun comes up and there is an anticipation that something special is about to happen. For one weekend in the month of March, News 9's cameras were with head coach Patty Gasso and the Oklahoma Sooners softball team.

Game Day starts early in Norman with players arriving hours early before the game ever begins. For Sooners star Jayda Coleman, Game Day means a very specific routine.

"Get up. Read my Bible. Braid my hair. Put two earrings in," Coleman said.

Then there's a stop at Starbucks.

"I get a venti mocha with eight pumps," she said. "That caramel with eight pumps is the secret sauce from Starbucks."

Inside the locker room, it's time to take care of business.

Cleaning shoes. Cleaning equipment.

Batting practice begins outside, and Robin got some swings in after some advice from softball's home run queen, Jocelyn Alo.

"Close your eyes and say a prayer," Alo said.

Back to Oklahoma's softball stars, preparing for a big tournament -- and this Sooners team is filled with energy. It's time to load up, and everyone is responsible for their own bags. The 20-minute bus ride from Norman to Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City begins with lots of laugher and bonding while on the road.

These players are pumped about playing in front of the home crowd.

"Let's go! Boomer!!" Jayda Coleman said.

It's a double-header day for the Oklahoma Sooners, and No. 22 -- catcher and team captain Lynnsie Elam -- is making sure her shoulder will be ready in time for the game.

Meanwhile, coaches are eyeing some last-minute game notes.

"I'm making some last-minute notes on our opponent," Gasso said.

"I'm preparing the pitchers in the locker room," said assistant coach Jennifer Rocha.

An intense warm-up gets the players ready to go, and then it's almost game time. From the outside, it all looks like a well-oiled machine but these players say there is a bond that unites them that is greater than the sport, greater than wins and losses.

"That we're playing for something much more, and I feel like - like you said - that's how our passion comes out. It's a lot more than just playing softball. It's playing for Coach Gasso. Playing for this university. It's playing for Christ," Coleman said.

That spiritual growth is something Gasso has noticed.

"Watching them go through tough times and how they kind of come out of the fire and through it and watching their faith grow has been incredible," Gasso said.

During the game, no problem for the Sooners who got the win, the OU faithful by their side. After the game, the locker room becomes a room of rest for the players. The staff brings in hammocks and makes sure the players can recharge before a second game.

But there is no slowing down for Gasso. A break between games means she is meeting with Sooners donors who are passionate about the program and a new stadium coming to Norman.

"Thank you for supporting us. We are excited about our new field," Gasso said at lunch.

Coach puts the game face back on in time for Game 2, another easy win for the Sooners.

After fans got a chance to greet their softball heroes, the team was back on a bus to Norman, a 20-minute ride back to campus. A late dinner awaiting them after a rewarding day with two more wins as the Sooners continue 'Chasing A Championship.'

"I don't really like to let the pressure get to me because at the end of the day it's just softball. I'm going to go on and continue to play softball, and my family is still going to love me at the end of the day no matter what the outcome," said Jocelyn Alo. "So just enjoy the moment for what it is and taking it for what it is... and just running with it."