Mississippi State Softball Celebrates Samoan Heritage and Culture

Mississippi State softball has cultivated a winning culture over the past seven seasons under head coach Samantha Ricketts. Central to this environment is Ricketts’ connection to her Samoan heritage and her ties to the village of Leone in Samoa, which has helped attract several Samoan players to Starkville.

Ricketts’ influence has led to at least seven American Samoan athletes joining the team over the past decade. The roster currently includes two Sells sisters, Kiarra and Kalani, along with former Bulldog and graduate assistant Matalasi Faapito. Faapito appeared in 137 games and ranks high in NCAA Tournament history for Mississippi State in slugging percentage and on-base percentage.

Ricketts said she sees a strong cultural connection between Samoan values and the team’s environment. “It’s a very kind of quiet respect. Respect your elders and leaders, your team first, family first, all based on love and faith,” she said. This sense of community has fostered a supportive atmosphere for all players and contributed to the program’s consistent top-20 rankings.

Her achievements have earned Ricketts the role of head coach for the American Samoan National Team. The Sells sisters and Faapito are eligible to compete in the team’s efforts to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Ricketts expressed pride in providing opportunities for her players to represent their homeland.

Mississippi State will celebrate Samoan Heritage Day on Sunday, April 26, at Nusz Park, during the Bulldogs’ game against No. 20 LSU. The game is scheduled to start at 11 a.m. CT and will be broadcast on SEC Network+.

Source: Original Article