The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) announced its annual awards for the 2022–2025 seasons, recognizing two USA Softball representatives: U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Patty Gasso and umpire Mike Burwell. Gasso was named the 2025 WBSC Softball Coach of the Year, while Burwell earned the 2023 Umpire of the Year award. Gasso is the only USA Softball member among this year’s honorees and one of three award recipients from the United States, alongside USA Baseball’s Coleman Borthwick (Baseball Player of the Year) and Rick Eckstein (Baseball Coach of the Year).
The announcement concluded the 6th WBSC Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, which featured a Gala Dinner and Award Ceremony celebrating the achievements of players, coaches, umpires, and scorers from 2022–2025. Delegates, officials, and guests from around the world gathered to honor excellence in international baseball and softball.
Patty Gasso – 2025 Softball Coach of the Year
Patty Gasso, head coach at the University of Oklahoma, completed her first season leading the U.S. Women’s National Team by guiding the Eagles to an undefeated 5–0 record and a gold medal at The World Games 2025. Throughout the year, she also hosted multiple training camps for WNT athletes, including the USA Softball All-Star Showcase, featuring 40 of the nation’s top collegiate and professional players.
“I am honored to be selected as the WBSC Coach of the Year,” said Gasso. “Leading this program has been an incredible learning experience. Our athletes showed tremendous determination and passion at The World Games on the way to winning gold, and I’m proud to be part of their journey. I’m excited for what lies ahead as we look toward 2026.”
Mike Burwell – 2023 Umpire of the Year
Mike Burwell, a native of Granville, Ohio, serves as USA Softball’s Deputy Director of Umpires for the Eastern Territory (Regions 1 and 2), a position he has held since 2024. He began his umpiring career with USA Softball in 2007 and 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, including two U-18 Men’s World Cups, two Men’s World Cups, and the 2019 Pan American Games.
Burwell has also officiated in NCAA competitions, appearing 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, he enjoys family life with his wife Tresha, their three sons, and two grandsons.
“Receiving an award like this reflects the support of many people and organizations,” Burwell said. “I am grateful for the encouragement of my faith, family, friends, and mentors. USA Softball has provided a path for its umpires to succeed, and I am humbled and honored by this recognition from the WBSC Congress.”