Senior Reflections: Keilani Ricketts

May 8, 2013

With Senior Day scheduled for this Saturday, SoonerSports.com is sitting down with each member of the 2013 Oklahoma softball senior class to reflect back on their respective career. Our third installment features pitcher Keilani Ricketts.

Running through the World Series, there is about a month left in the season, has it sunk in yet that your time is almost done here?
"No, it hasn't at all. I feel like throughout these four years we've just been building up and trying to reach our goals, but since we haven't reached all of our goals yet I feel like that sense of urgency that we're about to leave hasn't really kicked in yet."

With a month left in the season, what do you hope to accomplish?
"I feel like I just want to be able to put it all out on the field because I know that our time here is getting a lot shorter and I want to be able to be remembered for something more special than what I could actually do."

What areas do you think you have grown the most in your time here?
"I feel like I've definitely gained a lot more confidence in myself. I think, coming in freshman year, I jumped right in to being the No. 1 pitcher, and I've learned a lot about going through the ups and downs of a season and overcoming different adversities has made me stronger."

How do you think being a Sooner has helped you grow?
"I think, when it comes down to working together as a team, we're all pretty much a family. This whole program has felt very family-oriented, and I've been able to rely on the other girls and been able to pick up other girls myself."

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Are there any particular games or plays that really stand out to you in your career here?
"Last year in the World Series really stood out because that was when we peaked and were able to play in front of what felt like a home crowd."

Are there any personal accomplishments that you are most proud of?
"Being named the USA Softball Player of the Year and knowing that all my hard work had paid off throughout the years. I set my goal last year to win the award, and I was able to achieve it.

What do you think you are going to miss the most ?
"I'll definitely miss hanging out with this team, whether it's bus trips or when we're on airplanes or in the locker room. Everyone is just really goofy and able to let their guard down with each other. That's probably what I'm going to miss the most."

If you could go back and give advice to yourself during your freshman year, what would it be?
"Just to be a lot more confident in myself. I felt like I had a lot to learn so I didn't always feel settled in when I wasn't too confident in myself as a pitcher. So just knowing that my team would be able to score runs for me and allow me to relax out there. It gives you a lot more confidence when you know that the team is going to support you."

What does it mean to you to be graduating with your fellow seniors?
"I feel like this group has really grown into the leadership roles that this team needed this year, and they've all figured out what they need to get done. They've all grown tremendously as a person and player and I think that's what this team has been looking for."

What do you hope this team's legacy is?
"I think to be known as one of the best teams because we definitely have the talent and we've had a good season so far, so to be able to make our mark in the world of softball."

Players Mentioned

Keilani Ricketts

Sponsors

University of Oklahoma Athletics