Keilani Ricketts, a legendary figure in softball, has been appointed as an assistant coach for the Oklahoma Sooners. This marks a significant moment for both Ricketts and the Sooners, as she brings a wealth of experience and accolades to the team.
### A Storied Career
Ricketts is no stranger to Oklahoma softball. She was a dominant force during her collegiate years, earning multiple All-American honors and leading the Sooners to a national championship in 2013. Her contributions to the sport extend beyond her college career, as she has played professionally for teams like the USSSA Pride and the Oklahoma City Spark [A](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keilani_Ricketts?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiakhDMlJoNlFzWkVvNHdWd2g1aUVRIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvZW4ud2lraXBlZGlhLm9yZ1wvd2lraVwvS2VpbGFuaV9SaWNrZXR0cyIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19jb252ZXJzYXRpb25JZCI6IlVvcmtlNjhGMm51YWZRZmtGb1B1SCIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19jbGlja1NvdXJjZSI6ImNpdGF0aW9uTGluayJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). She has also represented Team USA in international competitions, further solidifying her reputation as one of the best in the game.
### Coaching Experience
Ricketts has previously served as a volunteer assistant coach for the Sooners in 2019 [B](https://soonersports.com/sports/softball/roster/coaches/keilani-ricketts/126?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tEZXN0aW5hdGlvbiI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9zb29uZXJzcG9ydHMuY29tXC9zcG9ydHNcL3NvZnRiYWxsXC9yb3N0ZXJcL2NvYWNoZXNcL2tlaWxhbmktcmlja2V0dHNcLzEyNiIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19jb252ZXJzYXRpb25JZCI6IlVvcmtlNjhGMm51YWZRZmtGb1B1SCIsImV2ZW50SW5mb19tZXNzYWdlSWQiOiJqSEMyUmg2UXNaRW80d1Z3aDVpRVEifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Her return to the coaching staff is expected to bring invaluable insights, particularly for pitchers, given her expertise in the circle. She has also worked as an assistant coach at Mid-America Christian University, where she helped develop young talent [C](https://macuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/coaches/keilani-ricketts-tumanuvao/248?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiakhDMlJoNlFzWkVvNHdWd2g1aUVRIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NvbnZlcnNhdGlvbklkIjoiVW9ya2U2OEYybnVhZlFma0ZvUHVIIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrU291cmNlIjoiY2l0YXRpb25MaW5rIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvbWFjdWF0aGxldGljcy5jb21cL3Nwb3J0c1wvc29mdGJhbGxcL3Jvc3RlclwvY29hY2hlc1wva2VpbGFuaS1yaWNrZXR0cy10dW1hbnV2YW9cLzI0OCJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Her ability to mentor and guide players will be a tremendous asset to the Sooners.
### Impact on the Sooners
With Ricketts joining the coaching staff, the Sooners gain a leader who understands the program’s culture and expectations. Her firsthand experience as a player, combined with her coaching background, makes her an ideal fit for the role. She will likely focus on refining pitching techniques, instilling confidence in players, and fostering a winning mentality.
### Looking Ahead
As the Sooners prepare for upcoming seasons, Ricketts’ presence will undoubtedly be felt. Her knowledge, leadership, and passion for the game will inspire the team to strive for excellence. Fans and players alike can look forward to seeing how her expertise translates into success on the field.
Ricketts’ appointment is a testament to her dedication to the sport and her alma mater. The Sooners have gained not just a coach, but a mentor and a role model who embodies the spirit of Oklahoma softball.
