Oklahoma's sports scene soared through 2024 with unforgettable moments, marked by notable achievements across high school, collegiate, and professional levels. With each month presenting its own exceptional display of talent and determination, Oklahoma sports fans can look back on this remarkable year with pride and excitement.
Starting off the year on February 12, the Oklahoma State University (OSU) Women’s Tennis team claimed their first national title at the ITA Indoor National Championship. They triumphed over Michigan—a thrilling contest setting the stage for future accomplishments. This victory laid the foundation for their success at the Big 12 Championship, where they celebrated once again before facing eventual tough competition at the NCAA Championships' super-regionals.
Fast forward to February 24, the men’s basketball fray provided fans with another nail-biter when the University of Oklahoma (OU) faced off against OSU. It was Javian McCollum who stepped up to deliver the game-winning shot, sinking a buzzer-beater 3-pointer to clinch the match 84-82. The dramatic ending left the Stillwater crowd stunned, solidifying this matchup's significance in the storied rivalry.
March brought even more sporting milestones. On March 1, OU Softball made their home debut at the newly inaugurated Love's Field, and Kinzie Hansen made headlines with her walk-off home run against Miami (Ohio). This mark heralded a continuation of their impressive 68-game winning streak and ignited the spirits of softball fans across Oklahoma.
March 13 saw the Oklahoma High School Basketball State Tournaments ignite excitement with Jalen Montonati leading Owasso to victory with 34 points against Edmond North, culminating the Class 6A championship. The thrill continued with Dayton Forsythe guiding Dale's boys team to their third consecutive Class 2A title, underlining the flourishing talent within Oklahoma's high school sports.
One of the most remarkable highlights occurred on March 23, as the OU Women’s Gymnastics team rewrote history with their NCAA-leading score of 198.950 at the Big 12 Championship, showcasing the excellence of gymnastics talent nurtured within the state.
Meanwhile, the OSU men's basketball story garnered additional attention on March 26, as Langston Men’s Basketball put forth valiant efforts during the NAIA national championship, even as they came up short against their opponents. The efforts of coach Chris Wright and his squad emphasized the resilience of Oklahoma athletics.
April 29 marked another exciting chapter with the Oklahoma City Thunder securing their first playoff series win since the 2015-16 season. A commanding sweep over the Pelicans showcased their growth, culminating their path to the Western Conference Semifinals where they faced fierce competition from Dallas.
Recognition poured in May when the Thunder shone at the NBA Awards. Coach Mark Daigneault took home the coveted Coach of the Year title, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander clinching spots on the All-NBA first team and finishing as a finalist for the MVP award, exemplifying the individual prowess contributing to the team's success.
OSU's success continued on May 25 when they faced off against OU and emerged victorious at the Big 12 Baseball Tournament with a 9-3 scoreline, earning their fourth title and solidifying their position within the state's sports narrative.
Summer saw the culmination of years of team effort as the OU Softball team made history on June 6 by winning their fourth consecutive national championship. They became the first team to accomplish such feet within collegiate softball, significantly eleving their legacy.
July heralded monumental changes as OU officially joined the Southeastern Conference (SEC), marking the start of new beginnings for Oklahoma athletics within one of college sports' toughest leagues.
On the global stage, Oklahoma athletes shone bright at the Paris Summer Olympics on July 26, with standout performances from local talent including Vernon Turner representing Team USA. Their presence at the Olympics underlined the caliber of athletes produced within the state.
September turned the spotlight back onto collegiate football as OSU achieved remarkable success against Arkansas, clinching victory through double overtime and showcasing their resilience. This marked yet another thrilling moment within the season.
The fall season also brought exciting changes with the renaming of Oklahoma City's Triple-A team to the Comets on October 26, drawing inspiration from the legendary Mickey Mantle and revitalizing the area's baseball affiliation.
November kept the momentum going, with Steve Lutz starting strong as the new OSU Men's Basketball coach by leading the Cowboys to victory. Following his debut win, the team was set to navigate the challenges of the basketball season with renewed energy.
Adding to this varied sports narrative, UCO Football celebrated their first playoff win since 25 years on November 23 before facing defeat in the subsequent round. Yet, it was another significant moment harkening back to proud legacies.
On the same date, another memorable moment unfolded as OU Football stunned fans with their monumental victory over Alabama, topping them with three touchdowns and instigated ecstatic celebrations among their supporters.
Further marking his investment back to the community, on November 26, former Thunder player Russell Westbrook committed $10 million for the new soccer stadium district, ensuring his legacy continues to flourish within Oklahoma.
The month of December concluded the year with thrilling high school state championships, where fans were treated to captivating contests decided by mere points. Meanwhile, the Thunder, having reached the NBA Cup finals, experienced tough battles but enjoyed the exhilaration of their playoff run.
This remarkable array of events throughout 2024 showcased Oklahoma's diverse sports culture filled with remarkable talent, unforgettable highlights, and the promise of continuing greatness. For Oklahoma sports fans, this year embodies resilience, achievement, and collective pride.
