The University of Oklahoma is actively seeking a new athletic director to succeed Joe Castiglione, who recently announced his retirement. Among the twelve members selected for the search committee is Kinzie Hansen, a celebrated former softball player for the Sooners. Hansen is tasked with helping to identify the individual who will lead Oklahoma Athletics into its next chapter.
The committee is chaired by Randall L. Stephenson, who holds the position of Chair of Football and serves as a Special Advisor to both the President and the Director of Athletics. The diverse group includes prominent figures such as Hollye Hunt, Vice President of Executive Affairs and Chief of Staff, and Bob Stoops, Executive Director and Special Advisor to the Athletics Director. Other committee members represent various sectors of the university and beyond, including faculty, staff, and former student-athletes.
Hansen’s selection reflects her remarkable legacy at the University of Oklahoma. A standout during her collegiate career, she played a pivotal role in leading the Sooners to four consecutive Women’s College World Series titles. In her final season in 2024, she recorded an impressive batting average of .400, with 11 home runs, 41 RBIs, and 35 runs scored. Her career fielding percentage of .922 ranks fifth in program history, while her total of 60 career home runs places her sixth on the all-time list.
Following her time at Oklahoma, Hansen signed with the Oklahoma Spark, an independent professional softball team featuring many former Sooner players. She has also represented Team USA on the international stage, participating in the 2023 All Star Series in Japan and the 2022 World Games. Recently, she contributed to the Spark’s victory at the TC Colorado Pro Cup, leading the team to a championship in its inaugural year.
Once a successor is appointed, Castiglione will transition to the role of Emeritus Athletics Director. He will continue to support the university in a fundraising capacity until June 2028, ensuring a smooth transition for the incoming athletic director.
The search for a new athletic director comes at a significant time for Oklahoma Athletics, as the university aims to maintain its competitive edge in collegiate sports while honoring the legacy of leadership established by Castiglione. With Hansen’s experience and deep connection to the program, her involvement in the search committee signals a commitment to selecting a leader who will prioritize the values and aspirations of both the university and its student-athletes.