The Oklahoma Sooners softball program has long been regarded as a powerhouse in collegiate athletics, a program steeped in tradition, excellence, and unrelenting pursuit of greatness. In a move that further strengthens that identity, the Sooners have welcomed one of their most iconic alumni back to Norman in a new and exciting capacity. Congratulations are in order as Keilani Ricketts, a professional softball star and a former Oklahoma legend, has been appointed as the new Assistant Assistant Coach for the Sooners. Simultaneously, Ricketts is making waves in the professional arena, earning selection to the Blaze division of the prestigious Athletes Unlimited Softball League.
This announcement marks a full-circle moment for Ricketts and the program she helped elevate into the national spotlight during her legendary collegiate career. As both a professional athlete and a coach, Ricketts embodies the core values that define Oklahoma softball: leadership, work ethic, dominance on the field, and a tireless commitment to excellence. Her dual roles in professional softball and coaching reinforce her status as a transcendent figure in the sport and provide a powerful example for the next generation of athletes.
For those familiar with collegiate softball, Keilani Ricketts needs no introduction. From 2010 to 2013, she was the face of Oklahoma softball, rewriting the record books and setting a new standard of performance in the circle and at the plate. A two-time USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year, Ricketts played a pivotal role in leading the Sooners to the 2013 Women’s College World Series title, a season capped by one of the most dominant runs in the sport’s history. With a fastball that regularly clocked in the upper 60s and a presence that could shake the confidence of the most battle-tested hitters, Ricketts was a force to be reckoned with every time she stepped onto the field.
But Ricketts’ value wasn’t just in her physical abilities—it was in her leadership, her poise under pressure, and her determination to elevate her teammates. Those qualities helped lay the foundation for Oklahoma’s dynasty under head coach Patty Gasso, and her impact has endured long after her final pitch in crimson and cream. Now, with her return to Norman, she’s poised to channel that same energy and experience into a coaching role that has the potential to influence the next wave of Sooners stars.
The Assistant Assistant Coach position may sound unconventional in title, but make no mistake—it’s a vital piece of Oklahoma’s coaching infrastructure. As college softball evolves, the demands on coaching staffs have increased significantly. Programs like Oklahoma, which operate at the highest level of the sport, are finding innovative ways to support their student-athletes both on and off the field. With Ricketts assuming this new role, the Sooners gain not only a seasoned professional with deep knowledge of the game, but someone who understands exactly what it means to wear the Oklahoma jersey.
Her arrival is particularly timely given the changing landscape of college athletics. The transfer portal, NIL opportunities, and an increasingly competitive recruiting environment have transformed the way programs build and maintain success. In this era of evolution, having someone like Ricketts—a player who has succeeded at every level of competition—can make all the difference. She brings credibility, relatability, and a championship pedigree that speaks louder than any pitch or play diagram ever could.
Moreover, Ricketts’ recent selection to the Blaze division of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League is yet another testament to her enduring excellence. Athletes Unlimited is not your typical pro league. Its innovative format, where players earn points based on performance and team success, requires a unique blend of individual skill and team-first mentality. The Blaze division represents one of the most elite groupings within the league, and Ricketts’ inclusion speaks volumes about her continued dominance in the sport.
This dual appointment—on the field as a professional and on the bench as a mentor—is a rare and remarkable balancing act. It showcases not only her incredible athletic ability, but also her commitment to growing the game at every level. For Oklahoma’s current roster, the opportunity to learn directly from Ricketts is invaluable. Whether it’s mastering the rise ball, navigating the mental side of pitching, or preparing for the pressures of postseason play, Ricketts offers insight that only someone who’s walked that path can provide.
But it’s not just about mechanics or strategy. Ricketts also represents something much more meaningful—representation, visibility, and inspiration. For young women who aspire to play collegiate or professional softball, she is living proof that such dreams are attainable. Her journey, from California high school phenom to college superstar to professional standout and now collegiate coach, exemplifies what’s possible with talent, dedication, and support.
For head coach Patty Gasso, the addition of Ricketts is both a strategic and sentimental win. Gasso, who has built one of the most respected and successful programs in the country, understands the
