Collegiate softball star Keilani Ricketts was in the territory last week conducting softball clinics as well as presenting a donation of equipment to Fa’asao Marist High School.

Ricketts, who has distinguished herself as a star softball player at the University of Oklahoma, conducted a softball clinic at the Tony Solaita Baseball Field last Wednesday where she gave a presentation and demonstrations on pitching, and fielded questions from the young female softball players. This is her second year visiting American Samoa to impart her softball skills and knowledge to the young players of the territory.

In addition to the clinic, Ricketts —with the help of Father Viane Etuale of the Nu’uuli Catholic Church — was able to collaborate in the securing, shipping and donation of softball equipment to Fa’asao Marist High School.

Fa’asao Marist Principal J. Victor Langkilde, who also President of the American Samoa Baseball Association gratefully accepted the equipment. “I would like to thank Keilani Ricketts and Father Viane Etuale on behalf of the school, the parents and all of the players for their collaborative effort to provide this very generous donation that will be very instrumental in the development of our players,” said Langkilde.

Ricketts stated that she would continue to stay committed to helping American Samoa Softball. Langkilde also noted  that American Samoa is proud of Keilani and everything that she has accomplished as a daughter of the territory.

“American Samoa wishes her all the best in preparation for a great 2013 softball season in her last year at the University of Oklahoma. Go Keilani!” said Langkilde.

Some of Ricketts accomplishments include:

2012 NFCA first-team All-American

2012 Honda Softball Player of the Year

2012 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year

2012 Big 12 Player of the Year

2012 first team All-Big 12

Member of Team USA in the Summer 2012

Finalist for Women’s Sports Foundation Sportswoman Woman of the Year

Holds Oklahoma single season strikeout record (452 in 2011)

Member of the 2011 United States Women’s National Team where she recorded two wins and got the title clinching save at the World Cup of Softball for Team USA.