OKLAHOMA CITY — The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) announced Saturday the recipients of its annual awards spanning the 2022–2025 seasons, which included two USA Softball representatives — Patty Gasso and Mike Burwell. U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Patty Gasso was named the 2025 WBSC Softball Coach of the Year, while USA Softball umpire Mike Burwell earned the title of 2023 Umpire of the Year. Gasso is the only USA Softball member among this year’s honorees and one of three award recipients from the United States overall, joining USA Baseball’s Coleman Borthwick (Baseball Player of the Year) and Rick Eckstein (Baseball Coach of the Year) for 2025.
The announcement capped the 6th WBSC Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, which concluded with a Gala Dinner and Awarding Ceremony celebrating the achievements of players, coaches, umpires, and scorers from the 2022–2025 seasons. Delegates, officials, and guests from across the globe gathered to honor outstanding individuals and mark the conclusion of the landmark international event. To view the full list of award recipients, visit WBSC.org.
Patty Gasso – 2025 Softball Coach of the Year
Gasso, head coach at the University of Oklahoma, is in the midst of her first season leading the U.S. Women’s National Team, having recently guided the Eagles to an undefeated 5-0 campaign en route to a gold medal finish at The World Games 2025. Throughout the year, Gasso has supported several training opportunities for WNT athletes, hosting multiple camps in 2025, including the USA Softball All-Star Showcase, which featured 40 of the nation’s top collegiate and professional players alongside Team USA.
“I am honored to be selected as the WBSC Coach of the Year,” said Coach Gasso. “Leading the program this year has been an incredible learning experience, and I want to thank our athletes for their support and dedication along the way,” she added. “This past summer at The World Games, our team showed outstanding determination and passion on their way to winning the gold medal, and I’m proud to be a part of it. I’m excited for what’s ahead as we look toward 2026.”
In addition to Gasso’s recognition, USA Softball umpire Mike Burwell was honored by the WBSC as the 2023 Umpire of the Year.
Mike Burwell – 2023 Umpire of the Year
Granville, Ohio native Mike Burwell serves as USA Softball’s Deputy Director of Umpires for the Eastern Territory (Regions 1 and 2), a role he assumed in 2024. Since starting his USA Softball umpiring career in 2007, Burwell has worked 18 National Championships — including four GOLD Nationals and six Men’s Major events — along with three Junior Olympic Cups and an Alliance Championship. A WBSC-licensed umpire since 2017, Burwell has officiated five international events: two U-18 Men’s World Cups (2018, 2023), two Men’s World Cups (2022, 2024), and the 2019 Pan American Games. A three-sport OHSAA state official, he’s also worked state playoffs in basketball, field hockey, and softball.
His NCAA resume includes appearances at four Big Ten and three Big 12 Championships, eight Regionals, seven Super Regionals, and two Women’s College World Series (2022, 2023). Recently retired after 32 years with the Columbus Division of Fire, Burwell enjoys family life with his wife, Tresha, their three sons, and two grandsons.
“Usually, when an individual receives an award of this magnitude, it’s because of the many people and organizations that have helped them along the way. I am no different,” said Burwell. “The support of my faith, wife, sons, friends, and mentors cannot be measured,” he added. “Thankfully, USA Softball has carved out a way for all of its umpires to have a path for success. So, I am extremely grateful and humbled by this recognition and tip my hat to the WBSC Congress for this tremendous honor.”
To learn more about the U.S. Women’s National Team Program, please visit USASoftball.com.
To learn more about the USA Softball Umpire Program, please visit USASoftball.com.