2025 WCWS: ESPN broadcast spotlights Sam Landry's emotional tribute to Gerry Glasco's late daughter, relationship with family

Oklahoma pitcher Sam Landry going up against Texas Tech brings a little more emotion than a normal Women’s College World Series semifinal. Landy is incredibly close with Texas Tech head coach Gerry Glasco and his entire family. The two worked together at Louisiana before moving on to their respective places, now meeting with a ton on the line in Oklahoma.

Part of the bond between Landry and Glasco surrounds his late daughter, Geri Ann, someone he lost back in 2019. Landry was close friends with Geri Ann, dating back to grade school, before a car accident tragically took her life.

Wearing No. 12 at Louisiana is how Landry would honor Geri Ann but after transferring to Oklahoma, the number was taken. She has taken a different route during the 2025 season, continuing the memory of Gerri Ann.

“On her glove is the name Geri Ann,” ESPN’s Taylor McGregor said during the second inning. “Geri Ann is the daughter of Coach Glasco, who was killed in a car accident in 2019. They first met each other in eighth grade would come to Louisiana camps. And when Sam was pitching at Louisiana, she wore No. 12 in honor of Geri Ann. When she came to Oklahoma, the No. 12 wasn’t available. So, she texted Coach Glasco and said ‘I’m still playing for Geri Ann. Just in the form of writing her name on my glove.'”

Gerry Glasco advises Sam Landry to play at Oklahoma over Texas Tech

Glasco spent six seasons at Louisiana as the head coach, three of which had Landry on the roster. However, when Texas Tech came calling, jumping to the power conference level was the right decision in his mind. Naturally, attempting to get Landry to Lubbock was at the top of his priority list.

That was until Patty Gasso and Oklahoma came calling. Glasco knew playing for the Sooners was too good of an opportunity to turn down, getting a spot in college softball’s premier program.

“Sam Landry coaching in the biggest game of her career against the coach she has known the longest and who she considers family,” McGregor said. “She first met Coach Glasco in eighth grade and then played for him for three seasons at Louisiana. Last summer, when he decided to take the Tech job, he originally told her to come with him. But then Oklahoma came in with an offer and he said ‘You have to go there.'”

A few months later, Glasco is now rooting against Landry for one game. He has an chance to deliver Texas Tech its first-ever appearance in the WCWS championship series, continuing what has been a magical season. Landry, on the other hand, is hoping to keep Oklahoma alive for a fifth consecutive national championship.