EPIC RETURN: Kinzie Hansen Funds New OU Softball Clubhouse! ‘Norman’s My Forever Home,’ Says AUSL Star and Sooner Legend!

EPIC RETURN: Kinzie Hansen Funds New OU Softball Clubhouse! ‘Norman’s My Forever Home,’ Says AUSL Star and Sooner Legend!

EPIC RETURN: Kinzie Hansen Funds New OU Softball Clubhouse! ‘Norman’s My Forever Home,’ Says AUSL Star and Sooner Legend

In a heartwarming and transformative announcement for the University of Oklahoma softball program, former All-American catcher and current Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) star Kinzie Hansen has revealed that she will fully fund the construction of a state-of-the-art new clubhouse for the Sooners. The news was shared during a special ceremony at Love’s Field, with fans, current players, and fellow alumni in attendance for what Coach Patty Gasso called “a landmark moment in our program’s history.”

“Norman’s my forever home,” Hansen said, holding back tears. “OU gave me everything—my education, my sisters, my voice, and my dreams. Now, I want to give something permanent back.”

A Game-Changing Gift

Hansen’s donation, which sources estimate to be in the seven-figure range, will fund the design and construction of a brand-new facility that will include a modern locker room, players’ lounge, recovery and wellness center, team meeting rooms, and interactive alumni wall. The new clubhouse will be adjacent to Love’s Field and is set to break ground in Fall 2025, with completion expected by the start of the 2026 season.

“This is more than just a building,” said Athletic Director Joe Castiglione. “It’s a legacy. A living tribute to the culture Kinzie helped create, and a space where future champions will bond, recover, grow, and prepare to wear ‘Sooners’ across their chest with pride.”

Castiglione confirmed that the new facility will be named The Kinzie Hansen Clubhouse—a rare honor for a former student-athlete and one that reflects the lasting impact she had during her time in Norman.

Hansen’s Legendary Career

A cornerstone of OU’s four consecutive national championships from 2021–2024, Hansen was a force both behind the plate and at it. Known for her power, leadership, and defensive command, she earned All-American honors and was consistently one of the emotional leaders on and off the field.

After graduating, Hansen quickly became a star in the AUSL, emerging as one of the league’s most consistent sluggers and catchers. Off the field, she has taken on a leadership role advocating for mental health awareness and athlete development, furthering the legacy of empowerment she helped foster at OU.

“I’ve been blessed with a career beyond college, but nothing compares to what we built in Norman,” Hansen said. “This program shaped me. This clubhouse is my way of saying thank you—and of investing in the women who are coming next.”

Gasso Reacts

For head coach Patty Gasso, who coached Hansen for four title-winning seasons, the donation is deeply personal.

“Kinzie is one of the fiercest competitors and most loyal people I’ve ever coached,” Gasso said. “She was a heartbeat of this program. Now she’s building something that will continue to beat long after we’re gone.”

Gasso added that the clubhouse will include a dedicated mentorship space, where alumni like Hansen can return to share their experiences with current players—“a bridge between our championship past and our championship future.”