In a heartwarming gesture that speaks volumes about the enduring spirit of giving back, University of Oklahoma softball legend Keilani Ricketts has made an unforgettable donation to the Sooners softball program. The 2013 USA Softball Player of the Year gifted the team a fleet of brand-new, custom-branded vans to help support the next generation of athletes chasing their dreams. It’s a move that’s left the OU community speechless and grateful — and it couldn’t have come at a more meaningful time.
“These kids are our future,” Ricketts said at the emotional handoff ceremony. “OU gave me so much. It shaped me, gave me a platform, and now it’s time to pour back into the place that made me who I am. This is more than just transportation — it’s about opportunity, safety, and pride.”
The sparkling new fleet — adorned in crimson and cream with OU’s iconic logos and motivational graphics — is a sight to behold. Each vehicle showcases Ricketts’ signature on the back doors and the phrase “Legends Drive the Future” on the sides, a fitting tribute to her legacy and vision for empowering young athletes. The interiors are no less impressive, outfitted with comfortable seating, secure equipment storage, and built-in GPS to make travel easier and safer for student-athletes and staff.
The donation is already being hailed as one of the most generous acts by a former player in the history of OU Athletics. Coaches, players, and alumni gathered for the unveiling outside Marita Hynes Field, visibly moved by the moment. Head Coach Patty Gasso called Ricketts “a once-in-a-generation athlete with a heart to match.”
“Keilani has always been a leader — on and off the field,” Gasso said. “She dominated as a pitcher, stood tall as a role model, and now she’s stepping up again, reminding us all what it means to be a Sooner.”
Ricketts played for OU from 2010 to 2013 and helped lead the Sooners to a national championship in 2013. During her storied career, she racked up an astounding 133 wins, 1,605 strikeouts, and numerous awards, including two USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year honors. Her legacy has only grown since then, as she’s become a professional softball standout and a powerful advocate for youth sports development.
But for Ricketts, the motivation behind her gift goes beyond trophies and accolades.
“When I see these young girls hustling, sacrificing, and working toward greatness, I see myself in them,” she said. “If these vans can make their journey a little smoother, if they can help bring them one step closer to their dreams, then it’s all worth it.”
As the gleaming vehicles rolled onto campus, carrying not just Sooners gear but also the hopes of a proud alumna, one thing became clear: legends don’t just leave a legacy — they build one. And thanks to Keilani Ricketts, the road ahead for OU Softball looks more inspired than ever.
