Texas Tech Gerry Glasco honors late daughter during historic WCWS run
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma (KMID/KPEJ)- In just his first season as Texas Tech's softball coach, Gerry Glasco has led the Red Raiders to new territory: their first-ever trip to the Women's College World Series finals. But for Glasco and his family, this journey to the national stage is about much more than making history: it's about honoring a legacy.
That legacy belongs to Geri Ann Glasco, Gerry's daughter and a beloved member of the softball world, who tragically passed away in a 2019 car accident at just 24 years old. A former standout player at Georgia and Oregon and a budding coach, Geri Ann left an impact that's still felt across the sport— and especially in the Glasco family.
'She's been with us on this journey,' Gerry said, reflecting on the many signs that have reminded him of his daughter during the Red Raiders' magical postseason run.
Geri Ann's sister, Tara (Glasco) Archibald, serves as Texas Tech's associate head coach. Together, the father-daughter duo has built something special in Lubbock—both on the field and in memory of Geri Ann.
'You can't go anywhere in the softball community without some sort of tie to Geri Ann,' Tara said. 'She just made everybody feel good. She was the ultimate teammate, goofy, full of life. Everybody loved being around her.'
From subtle signs— like checking into Room 112 at a hotel— to the Red Raiders drawing the No. 12 seed in the NCAA tournament, the reminders have been constant. No.12, of course, was Geri Anns jersey number
'She was just always with us,' Gerry said.
The connection ran even deeper during Monday's semifinal, when Tech faced Oklahoma's Sam Landry, who once played for Glasco at Louisiana and wore No. 12 to honor Geri Ann's legacy.
'Wearing that number helped him keep going,' Landry said. 'Geri Ann was an amazing person.'
After Texas Tech edged Oklahoma in a 3-2 thriller to clinch a spot in the finals, Gerry and Landry shared a long, emotional embrace on the field.
Now in a poetic twist, Texas Tech faces No. 6 Texas in the national championship— coached by Mike White, who led Geri Ann and the Oregon Ducks to the WCWS in 2015. Gerry says he's not sure who Geri Ann would be rooting for.
'She loved Whitey,' Gerry laughed. 'She used to say, 'Daddy, he's just like you, but with a more colorful vocabulary'.'
Now, on the biggest stage in college softball, that joy— and Geri Ann's spirit— continues to shine through Texas Tech's unforgettable season.
Game 1 of the WCWS Finals between No. 12 Texas Tech and No. 6 Texas begins tonight at 7 p.m.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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