Softball Adds Three for 2009-10

Nov. 12, 2008

NORMAN, Okla. – University of Oklahoma head softball coach Patty Gasso has announced the signing of three student-athletes to NCAA National Letters of Intent. All three hail from the state of California – Keilani Ricketts (San Jose/Archbishop Mitty), Michelle Gascoigne (Benicia/High) and Jessica Shults (Valencia/Hart). The trio will begin competing for the Sooners during the 2009-10 academic year.

Ricketts is the younger sister of OU senior all-American Samantha Ricketts. The younger Ricketts is a 6-2 pitcher who chose Oklahoma over California, Texas A&M, Washington, Florida and UCLA.

“Keilani is a power pitcher who will throw the ball by you,” Gasso said. “She has good movement and will break some records during her career at OU. She is a tremendous, well-rounded athlete who is as much a force at the plate as she is on the mound. If Keilani isn't pitching, you will find her in our offense and playing some first base.”

As a junior at Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose, Calif., Ricketts was named to the EA Sports All-America Second Team and an Under Armour High School All-American. She also earned various honors from news outlets, including being named to Cal Hi Sports' First Team All-State squad. She was named Cal Hi's Division II State Athlete of the Year for her performances in both softball and basketball. Last season, Ricketts hit .525 from the plate. She posted an 11-1 record with a 0.30 earned run average in 87 innings pitched and tallied 172 strikeouts.

As a dual sport athlete, Ricketts has led her softball team to the Division II Central Coast sectional championship twice and the Archbishop Mitty basketball team to the 2007 and 2008 Division II state championship. During the summer, she played travel ball with the San Jose Sting 18U Gold.

“I chose Oklahoma because it's the one place I can see myself at,” Ricketts said. “Watching Sam play there has made me want to follow in her footsteps. Every time I step on the campus, I feel more and more at home. I am looking forward to obtaining a great college education while competing for national championships.”

2009-10 Oklahoma Softball Signee Bios

Gascoigne, a 5-9 pitcher, hails from Benicia High School where she earned conference pitcher of the year and all-league honors. Gascoigne was also named the Vallejo Times Herald Softball Player of the Year. She helped the Panthers reach the sectional playoffs all three seasons. Last season, she hit .364 with 15 runs scored and 24 hits.

“Michelle is a crafty left-handed pitcher that reminded our staff of (former OU All American pitcher) Jennifer Stewart,” said Gasso. “Michelle has great movement and break on the ball. We believe she will bring a different look from the bullpen that will really throw hitters off balance. She is a fierce competitor and I think she will play a large role in the success of our pitching staff.”

Gascoigne posted an ERA of 0.32, pitched 150.1 innings and recorded 302 strikeouts en route to an 18-6 record. She tallied 14 shutouts, three no-hitters and held opponents to a .082 batting average. During the summer, she competed with the Sorcerer travel ball team based out of Pleasanton, Calif. Gascoigne chose Oklahoma over Washington, Nebraska, Ohio State, Virginia Tech, California and UCLA.

“The University of Oklahoma has everything I want in a school,” Gascoigne said. “I love the atmosphere, the facilities, the athletics, the academics and the people. I am looking forward to competing in one of the most prestigious conferences in the NCAA, especially under the OU coaching staff.”

Shults, a 5-9 catcher from Hart High School, signed with the Sooners following a season where she was named All-CIF first team, all-state second team, All-Foothill League and All-Santa Clarita Valley first team and a first team selection by the Los Angeles Daily News. Last season, Shults hit .479 with 10 home runs and 31 runs batted in. She also scored 27 runs for the Indians.

“Jessica is one of the best young leaders I have ever seen,” Gasso said. “She was without question, the best catcher I have seen from the 2009 class. Jessica will be a perfect fit for our current pitching staff, as well as Michelle and Keilani. She has been trained very well and will be an immediate impact player for the Sooners. Jessica is also an outstanding hitter and will complement an already powerful line-up.”

During the 2008 season, Shults helped lead her team to the Foothill League Championship. As a sophomore, the team finished as the CIF Division I runner-up. She has played with the Worth Firecrackers for the past three summers. In 2008, the team won the Colorado Fireworks and Champions Cup titles. In 2007, the squad won the Canada Cup and ASA national championship. This past summer, she hit .411 with the team, driving in 40 runs on 51 hits. Shults chose OU over UCLA, Washington and Arizona.

“I chose Oklahoma because of its academic programs. I also fell in love with the campus and city of Norman. Norman is quite different from the city where I grew up, and I look forward to experiencing life in a contrasting location,” Shults said. “I also came to OU because of its amazing softball coaching staff, players and facilities. I look forward to obtaining my degree while at OU and playing for an outstanding Division I program.”

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Related News

Related Videos

Sponsors