Oklahoma softball coach Patty Gasso is beginning to see national fruits from her local labor.

At last week’s annual National Fastpitch Coaches Association convention, Gasso was named as a member of the 2012 NFCA Hall of Fame class to be inducted during next year’s convention in Orlando, Fla.

The Hall of Fame, which recognizes coaches for their work within the sport, began in 1991 and continues to induct an average of three members each year.

Gasso joins North Carolina coach Donna Papa and former Palomar coach Mark Eldridge as inductees.

Gasso, entering her 18th season at OU, said she was humbled by the news that she will join a group of 55 men and women who have been the staples of the sport.

“I was extremely honored when I found out about the nomination,” Gasso said. “When the banquet opened and I got to see all the members of the Hall standing up at the front of the room, I just felt blessed to know I would be joining part of that prestigious group of individuals.”

Gasso’s records and career statistics add up to a résumé worthy of being among softball coaching royalty.

Her 979-328-2 overall record is one of the best in both active and retired coaches.

Last season, Gasso also collected her 800th win with the Sooners to make her the winningest coach in the program’s history.

Gasso also is the most successful coach in Big 12 history, leading her teams to a 221-76 conference record while collecting four regular-season and four Big 12 championships crowns.

The Torrance, Calif., native also has four Big 12 Coach of the Year awards for her work as the Sooners’ skipper.

Perhaps the gem in her crown of achievements is the 2000 softball national championship, the first title won by an OU women’s program in school history.

Since then, Gasso’s teams appeared in the Women’s College World Series five times, including last season.

Additionally, Gasso has coached 38 All-Americans and 84 All-Region honorees, showing her true impact on the program.

But true to her candor, Gasso doesn’t take all the credit for turning the Sooner program into a national powerhouse.

Instead she credits her supporting cast for helping her accomplish all she has.

“I’m really just the conductor in the OU softball orchestra,” Gasso said. “The players are what make the music, and my coach staff is who teaches these players how to perform.

“This honor is really a representation of the entire program because if it wasn’t for players and the dedicated coaching staff, I wouldn’t be in this position.”