Keilani Ricketts Appointed Associate Head Coach at Oklahoma

Keilani Ricketts-Tumanuvao, a distinguished former collegiate and professional softball player, has been appointed as the Associate Head Coach of the University of Oklahoma’s softball team. This marks a significant milestone in her coaching career, bringing her full circle back to her alma mater. Her appointment is a testament to her exceptional playing career and her dedication to the sport.

Born on September 1, 1991, in San Jose, California, Keilani Ricketts was immersed in a family deeply rooted in athletics. She is the youngest of four siblings, all of whom pursued Division I sports. Her sister Samantha was an All-American at the University of Oklahoma, while her brother Richard played as a Defensive Lineman at the United States Air Force Academy. Her other sister, Stephanie, participated in the Women’s College World Series and was an All-American at the University of Hawaii. Keilani attended Archbishop Mitty High School, where she excelled in both basketball and softball, contributing to her team’s three Central Coast Section championships in softball.

Following in her sister’s footsteps, Keilani accepted a scholarship to play softball at the University of Oklahoma. During her tenure from 2010 to 2013, she became a cornerstone of the Sooners’ pitching staff. Her remarkable achievements include:

Two-time USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year (2012, 2013).

• Four-time NFCA All-American.

• Leading the Sooners to the 2013 NCAA Division I National Championship.

• Setting multiple program records, including career wins (133), strikeouts (1,605), and innings pitched (1,074.1).

• Being named the 2013 Honda Cup winner, awarded to the nation’s top female collegiate athlete.

Her performance in the 2013 Women’s College World Series was particularly notable, earning her the Most Outstanding Player honors after a stellar showing both in the circle and at the plate.

Upon completing her collegiate career, Ricketts was selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2013 National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) Draft by the USSSA Pride. Over six seasons with the Pride, she amassed 42 wins and contributed to the team’s four championships. In addition to her NPF career, she played for Toyota Industries in the Japan Softball League from 2013 to 2018 and later joined Hitachi through the 2021 season. Her international experience further enriched her understanding of the game and its global dynamics.

Ricketts also represented the United States on the national team, competing in the 2011 World Cup of Softball, where the team secured a gold medal, and the 2012 World Cup, earning a silver medal. Her contributions were instrumental in elevating the team’s performance on the international stage.

Following her playing career, Ricketts transitioned into coaching, aiming to impart her extensive knowledge and experience to the next generation of athletes. She began her coaching journey as a volunteer assistant at Mississippi State University during the 2015-2016 season. In 2018-2019, she returned to Oklahoma as a volunteer assistant coach under head coach Patty Gasso. Her time at Oklahoma allowed her to mentor players and contribute to the team’s development, further solidifying her passion for coaching.

In 2023, Ricketts joined Mid-America Christian University (MACU) as an assistant coach, working alongside head coach Jim Gasso. At MACU, she focused on developing pitchers and fostering a positive team culture. Her efforts were instrumental in the team’s growth and success during her tenure.

In July 2024, Ricketts was appointed as the pitching coach at the University of the Pacific, where she continued to build upon her coaching philosophy, emphasizing skill development and mental toughness. Her impact was evident as the pitching staff showed marked improvement under her guidance.

In May 2025, Ricketts returned to the University of Oklahoma, this time as the Associate Head Coach of the softball team. Her appointment is a full-circle moment, bringing her back to the program where she made her mark as a player. As Associate Head Coach, Ricketts will oversee the pitching staff, drawing from her extensive experience both as a player and coach. Her deep understanding of the game, combined with her leadership skills, positions her to make a significant impact on the team’s success.

Head coach Patty Gasso expressed enthusiasm about Ricketts’ return, highlighting the value of having a former player with such a rich history with the program step into a coaching role. Ricketts’ familiarity with the team’s culture and her commitment to excellence align seamlessly with the program’s goals and aspirations.

Keilani Ricketts’ journey from a standout collegiate and professional player to a respected coach reflects her unwavering dedication to the sport of softball. Her achievements have set a high standard for excellence, and her transition into coaching ensures that her legacy will continue to inspire and shape the future of the game.

As she embarks on this new chapter at the University of Oklahoma, Ricketts is poised to influence the next generation of athletes, imparting the skills, knowledge, and values that have defined her illustrious career. Her story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and the enduring impact of mentorship in sports.