Sports Talk Florida: Eric Lopez Interviews Keilani Ricketts

On this edition of ELOOnline, Eric Lopez talks to Keilani Ricketts about pitching in the NPF with the USSSA Pride  fresh off winning a national title with the Oklahoma Sooners at the Women’s College World Series.

Why you should listen :  Keilani Ricketts  just finished off one of the greatest college softball careers any player has ever had. Ricketts reflected on her career at Oklahoma where  she  ended up  being a two-time USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year,  2013 Big 12 Pitcher of the Year  and 2012 Big 12 Player of the Year, 3-time  NFCA first-team All-American (2011-2013),  Big 12 Female Athlete of the year in 2013. Ricketts cap off her career winning  Most Outstanding Player at the 2013 WCWS as she led the Sooners to the National Championship. Ricketts talked about pitching for the USSSA Pride and getting the chance of getting to play with pitching legend Cat Osterman. Ricketts talks about what life is life like in the NPF. Ricketts shared her thoughts on the Sooners  run in winning the national championship in 2013 over Tennessee, the motivation that came from losing to Alabama the year before at the WCWS Championship series.  Ricketts talked about the success of the Sooners senior class  Ricketts was part of who are all playing in the NPF currently. Here is list of the Sooners senior class  in the NPF.( Ricketts and Catcher Jessica Shultz with USSSA Pride, Pitcher Michelle Gascoigne- Chicago Bandits, OF- Brianna Turang with Akron Racers).

 Ricketts also discussed on why things did not work out with the US National team , her thoughts on the future of USA Softball, Summer Olympics , as well as how much the uncertain future of Softball in the Olympics had an impact on Ricketts not willing to make a long term commitment that USA Softball was forcing on Ricketts.  Ricketts was drafted 4th overall by the Pride in the 2013 NPF Draft, Ricketts talked about  being part of the rivalry between the Pride and Chicago Bandits  as both teams are the favorites to win NPF Championship which will be decided in the NPF Championship series from August 22-24.  Ricketts talks about how long she wants to play softball and her aspirations long term and more.

Bonus- Ricketts facts

Keilani Ricketts  joined Cat Osterman (2003, 2005 and 2006) and Danielle Lawrie (2009 and 2010) as the only multiple USA Softball National Collegiate Player of the Year honorees. All three have pitched for the  USSSA Pride.