'You Really Screwed Up' — How a 5 a.m. Walk With Mike Holder Changed Gajewski's Approach to 11th Season

OSU softball coach abandons lofty preseason predictions, implements toughest fall camp since first season after regional exit

Daniel Allen

Jan 28, 2026 - 5 min read

Oklahoma State head coach Kenny Gajewski speaks to reporters during the Cowgirls' annual softball team media day Wednesday at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Gajewski, entering his 11th season at the helm, discussed lessons learned from last season's disappointing regional exit and the return to a "Team 1 mentality" with more rigorous fall preparation. – Photo Courtesy OSU Athletics

'You Really Screwed Up' — How a 5 a.m. Walk With Mike Holder Changed Gajewski's Approach to 11th Season — Oklahoma State head coach Kenny Gajewski speaks to reporters during the Cowgirls' annual softball team media day Wednesday at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Gajewski, entering his 11th season at the helm, discussed lessons learned from last season's disappointing regional exit and the return to a "Team 1 mentality" with more rigorous fall preparation. – Photo Courtesy OSU Athletics

For most of Kenny Gajewski’s time at Oklahoma State, he and former athletic director Mike Holder would embark on long, heartfelt walks.

They still share them, though, not as much in recent years, Gajewski clarified Wednesday during OSU’s annual softball team media day. But days after the Cowgirls’ 2025 campaign abruptly ended in a regional exit after a loss to host Arkansas, Gajewski felt prompted to follow up.

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