Team credits Jesus for win

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 – and they credited Jesus for the win.

The team came to international attention for their Christian message when they defeated Florida State 3-1 in the Women’s College World Series at USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City.

The Oklahoma Sooners took the Women’s College World Series title, whilst crediting their faith as the basis for holding on to joy and perseverance through the season.

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.

“Thankfully, we’ve had a lot of success this year, but if it was the other way around, joy from the Lord is the only thing that can keep you embracing those memories, moments, friendships,” Grace Lyons said to news reporters in a clip which viral on Twitter.

“I think a huge thing that we’ve really just latched on to is eyes up and you guys see us doing this and pointing out, but we’re really like fixing our eyes on Christ,” added player Alyssa Brito.

“We worked our butts off to be here,” Jayda Coleman, continued. “We want to win, but it’s not the end of the world because our life is in Christ and that’s all that matters.”The Republican governor of Oklahoma Kevin Stitt told Fox News that he was “just so proud of them” and singled out their Christian testimony for comment.”That’s their third straight national championship, and Coach Patty Gasso is just an amazing leader, but that’s what we believe…” he said. “This is just amazing to me. The joy of the Lord is our strength, and that’s the great thing about our country,” he added.

The governor also rejected criticism of the players for giving thanks to God.

“Our true north, mine personally, is in Jesus Christ,” Stitt said. “That’s our faith, and why are people attacking that?”

“We’re so proud of that college team and so proud of those young ladies because it’s not necessarily about winning and losing. It is about our true north and what a great example they are,” he continued.

During a record-setting softball season, the Sooners extended their winning streak to 53 games and set a record for win percentage of any champion team.