The Eastern Oklahoma State College Alumni Association is proud to announce the induction of two graduates, Rhonda Kite Fields and JT Gasso, into the Hall of Fame during a Homecoming celebration on Friday, Nov. 10 at 6 p.m.

Teresa Brady, executive director of the EOSC Development Foundation and Alumni Relations, said the Alumni Association Hall of Fame recognizes former students who have distinguished themselves in their profession and community.

"Rhonda and JT exemplify the spirit of excellence and dedication that Eastern Oklahoma State College stands for. Their remarkable achievements in athletics and coaching have not only brought honor to our institution but have also inspired countless individuals,” Brady said. “We are proud to welcome them into the Alumni Association Hall of Fame and look forward to celebrating their contributions during Eastern’s annual Homecoming celebration weekend."

A 1978 graduate of Eastern, Rhonda Kite Fields is considered a trailblazer in women's athletics in Oklahoma. Her remarkable journey began at Panama High School and continued at Eastern, where she played two years of basketball. Fields, highly recruited after her graduation, chose Oklahoma State University from 43 Division I universities. Her enrollment marked a historic moment as she became OSU's first full-scholarship female athlete, thanks to the groundbreaking Title IX legislation that championed gender equity in sports. Fields also etched her name in history as OSU's first female athlete to be drafted into a women's professional sport, playing for the Dallas Diamonds in the Women's Basketball League (WBL). Beyond her playing career, Fields dedicated 41 years to coaching girls' basketball, leading her teams to seven State Tournament appearances, including a State Runner-Up finish in 1995. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the sport, she was named the Oklahoma Coaches Association Girls Basketball Coach of the Year in 2005. She has also been recognized as an All State Coach and served on the board of directors for the Oklahoma Girls Basketball Coaches Association. Her commitment extended to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), where she served as a school sponsor, speaker, and camp coach, positively impacting the lives of countless young athletes.

A 2009 Eastern graduate, JT Gasso’s coaching prowess has left an indelible mark on the world of softball. He has spent seven seasons as the assistant coach for the University of Oklahoma. His responsibilities have centered on working with OU's outfielders and driving the Sooner offense to new heights. Under Gasso's guidance, the Sooners have secured six Big 12 regular season titles and three Big 12 Tournament championships, in addition to six Women's College World Series appearances and four national titles. Gasso's coaching journey also includes successful stints at Michigan State University and Purdue University. A collegiate baseball player at Eastern and East Central University, Gasso has been a lead instructor for the Sooner Softball camps the last 10 years. He is certified as a level 1 coach in Crossfit and has trained various athletes, including those at lntenCity, for which he has been a hitting instructor and strength and conditioning coach since 2008. Gasso earned an associate degree from Eastern and a bachelor's degree in exercise science from East Central University, as well as a master's degree in administrative leadership from the University of Oklahoma.

The Hall of Fame Celebration will include dinner and dessert. Tickets are available online at eosc.edu/alumni for $50 each. For additional information about Eastern’s Alumni Association or the Hall of Fame event, contact Teresa Brady, executive director of the EOSC Foundation and Alumni Relations, at 918-465-1761.