Texas Softball Coach Mike White Addresses Location of Women’s College World Series
Texas softball coach Mike White recently shared his thoughts on the location of the Women’s College World Series (WCWS) in Oklahoma City. While acknowledging the advantage it gives the powerhouse Oklahoma program, White expressed his desire to see the tournament rotate locations in the future. However, he noted that this change is unlikely to happen during his coaching tenure.
White, who is leading the No. 1 Longhorns to the WCWS this week, highlighted the significant advantage Oklahoma has due to the WCWS being held in Norman. The relationship between Oklahoma City, the NCAA, and USA Softball dates back decades, with a contract in place to keep the WCWS in its current home until at least 2035.
The decision to host the WCWS in Oklahoma stems from the city’s long-standing reputation as a softball hub. The top-notch facilities in Devon Park, where the WCWS is held, have been a draw for the NCAA since 1990, with only one exception when the event was hosted in Columbus, Ga., in 1996.
The facilities at Devon Park are considered among the best in the country, with significant investments made to ensure the stadium meets the highest standards. With a seating capacity of 13,000, it is the largest softball-specific stadium in the U.S.
While having the WCWS in Oklahoma undoubtedly benefits the Sooners, recent history suggests that on-field performance matters more than home-field advantage. Oklahoma’s rise to prominence in the past decade has been driven by their success on the field rather than the location of the tournament.
As Texas gears up to face Stanford in the WCWS opener, players like freshman infielder Kayden Henry are embracing the unique experience of competing in the tournament. While the location may provide an edge to some teams, the focus remains on the thrill of competing at the highest level.
Don’t miss the highly anticipated matchup between Texas and Stanford in the Women’s College World Series on Thursday at 6 p.m. on ESPN2.
