BRAVO! A professional softball player named Blaze Keilani Ricketts of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League has been named the new assistant coach for the Oklahoma Sooners.

In a homecoming that has stirred emotions and ignited excitement across the college softball world, the University of Oklahoma has announced the hiring of Blaze Keilani Ricketts as an assistant coach for its storied softball program. The former Sooners pitching ace and current professional standout in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League is set to bring her championship pedigree, competitive fire, and deep love for the game back to Norman. For Oklahoma fans, alumni, and players alike, the news is more than a coaching hire — it’s a reunion with one of the program’s most iconic figures.

This is the story of how a generational talent has come full circle, ready to shape the next generation of champions.

Blaze Keilani Ricketts is more than just a name etched in the Oklahoma record books. She’s a legend whose accomplishments helped elevate the Sooners into the national powerhouse they are today. From 2009 to 2013, Ricketts anchored Oklahoma’s pitching staff, led the Sooners to two Women’s College World Series appearances, and culminated her collegiate career with a national championship in 2013. She was a two-time USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year (2012, 2013) and still ranks among the top in numerous OU pitching and offensive categories — a rare two-way star who dominated from the circle and contributed at the plate.

Now, after a decorated professional career, she returns to the dugout where it all began, this time wearing a different uniform — that of a mentor, motivator, and coach.

“It’s hard to put into words what it means to come back to the place that shaped me,” Ricketts said in the official announcement. “Oklahoma has always been home. It’s where I grew the most as a person and as an athlete. To now help guide the next generation of Sooners is an unbelievable honor.”

After concluding her college career, Ricketts transitioned to the professional ranks where she quickly made a name for herself. First joining the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) league, she eventually became one of the marquee stars in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League — an innovative player-run format that prioritizes individual performances within team competition. Her dominant pitching, fierce competitive nature, and leadership on and off the field made her a fan favorite and a role model for aspiring players across the country.

In Athletes Unlimited, Ricketts thrived not just statistically — consistently ranking among the top pitchers — but also as a respected voice within the league’s leadership council. Her ability to mentor younger players, study hitters, and adapt her game showed the type of intellectual edge that made her an obvious candidate for a coaching role.

“Blaze has always been more than just a great player — she’s a teacher, a competitor, and a connector,” said Athletes Unlimited CEO Jon Patricof. “Her transition into coaching feels inevitable. The game is better with her in it, and Oklahoma is incredibly fortunate to bring her home.

In many ways, Ricketts’ return is yet another testament to head coach Patty Gasso’s incredible influence on the sport. Gasso, who has led the Sooners to seven national championships and transformed the program into a dynasty, has mentored countless players who’ve gone on to careers in coaching, broadcasting, and player development. Now, she welcomes back one of her most dominant former players — someone who understands both the legacy and the standard of excellence the program demands.

“Keilani knows what it means to wear this jersey,” Gasso said. “She’s lived it. She’s won at the highest level. And she brings a unique perspective as someone who has continued to grow and compete professionally. She’ll be an incredible asset to our coaching staff, particularly in mentoring our pitchers and helping them manage the mental and physical challenges of elite competition.”

Ricketts replaces longtime assistant coach Jennifer Rocha, who accepted a head coaching position in the offseason. The transition is both symbolic and strategic — a new chapter in OU’s continued evolution while honoring its historic roots.

Those who’ve followed Ricketts’ career closely know her mindset has always been one of learning, accountability, and mental fortitude. Whether pitching through high-pressure situations in the World Series or working through rough outings in the pro leagues, Ricketts has been open about her process, her preparation, and the internal conversations that drive her.

She has long expressed interest in coaching — not just to teach mechanics or strategy, but to be a sounding board for young players trying to find their confidence and voice.

“Softball is a mental game as much as a physical one,” Ricketts said in a 2023 Athletes Unlimited profile. “I want players to understand how to think the game, how to overcome doubt, and how to trust themselves. That’s where the real growth happens.”

It’s that balance of elite-level performance and emotional intelligence that makes her such a compelling addition to the Sooners’ coaching staff. Her recent experience playing against many of the nation’s top collegiate graduates gives her unique insight into the development curve of players transitioning to the next level — a key recruiting advantage and mentorship tool for OU.

Oklahoma’s pitching factory has produced elite talents such as Paige Parker, Giselle Juarez, Jordy Bahl, and most recently, Kelly Maxwell. But with the increasing competitiveness of the sport, the Sooners are constantly seeking to innovate in how they develop arms — physically and mentally. Ricketts’ arrival is expected to bring a modernized approach rooted in biomechanics, data analysis, and psychological preparation, all filtered through her firsthand experience in the batter’s box and the circle.

“She’s not just someone who threw hard,” said ESPN analyst and former All-American Amanda Scarborough. “Keilani understood movement, she knew how to set hitters up, and she wasn’t afraid to adjust. She’ll bring all of that into Oklahoma’s pitching lab. Their staff just got even more dangerous.”

Ricketts’ return also strengthens the cultural fabric of Oklahoma’s team. Many of the players currently on the roster grew up watching her dominate — they know her story, her journey, and the bar she set. That familiarity breeds both respect and inspiration.

“She was my favorite player growing up,” said freshman pitcher Lauren Chambers. “I used to wear her number and try to copy her windup. To now be coached by her? It’s surreal. I can’t wait to learn from her.”

Her presence also sends a strong message to recruits: Oklahoma isn’t just a launching pad to professional softball — it’s a lifelong family. Former stars don’t just disappear after graduation. They return, they give back, and they help the next generation reach even greater heights.

As Oklahoma prepares for its move into the new Love’s Field stadium and continues its chase for another NCAA title, the hiring of Ricketts adds a powerful piece to an already loaded program. Her insights, connections, and credibility will resonate with players, families, and fans alike.

She joins a coaching staff that includes Patty Gasso, JT Gasso, and now herself — creating a powerhouse trio that blends generational knowledge with elite player experience.

For Ricketts, though, the move is not about legacy. It’s about giving back to the game and the school that gave her so much.

“I’m here to work,” she said. “This isn’t about what I did in the past. It’s about what we’re going to do together now. The players on this team are already phenomenal — my job is to help them be unstoppable.”

The announcement of Ricketts’ return set social media ablaze, with fans and alumni flooding the internet with excitement and support. National outlets praised the move as both savvy and sentimental, with many calling it a “full-circle moment.”

“She’s back where she belongs,” tweeted former OU teammate Jessica Shults. “I’ve seen firsthand what Keilani can do in a locker room. Oklahoma just got even stronger.”

ESPN’s Holly Rowe echoed the sentiment: “Incredible hire for the Sooners. Keilani Ricketts has lived every level of this game and now brings all of it back to the program she helped build.”

Blaze Keilani Ricketts’ return to Oklahoma as an assistant coach isn’t just a feel-good headline — it’s a seismic move that reinforces the strength of the Sooners’ softball dynasty. Her arrival brings championship experience, professional insight, and an enduring passion for the game that will resonate through the halls of Love’s Field and the hearts of fans everywhere.

In the ever-evolving landscape of college athletics, some stories transcend stats. This one is about legacy, loyalty, and leadership — and the next great chapter of Oklahoma softball begins with a familiar name etched in flame: Blaze Keilani Ricketts.