What Is The #RickettsEffect?

STARKVILLE – The hashtag has taken hold. The #RickettsEffect, a phrase coined by then-fifth-year manager Sarai Niu, has come to exemplify the success Samantha Ricketts found in her first season leading Mississippi State's softball program.

It started with the managers, then it spread to the players and other staff members. Eventually the whole team would be using the phrase on social media, but what exactly does it mean?

"It's everything she's built from the ground up," junior catcher Mia Davidson said. "It's the foundation of how we do things around here. She's made us more responsible for ourselves, and she looks at growing us not just as players, but as independent, strong women."

It would be easy to simply look at the numbers and assume that's all the phrase embodies. The notes in the margins of Ricketts' already impressive resume from the 2020 season alone could cover the page.

The Bulldogs had their best February record in program history. They were ranked in a final poll for the first time since 2000. Since she arrived as an assistant coach, they've broken the school record for home runs in a season not once, not twice, but three times. That's easy to do when you hit at least one long ball in more than half of your games since 2015.

"With a different coaching style, the way she has been coaching has obviously positively affected everyone," senior outfielder Christian Quinn said. "We've done well ever since she's gotten in that position. We've improved, but also had so many different records in just her first year. The Ricketts Effect is just the effect of what she's doing in the program."

Perhaps the most impressive note is one that was overlooked when the season ended. It was often repeated that State had tied No. 1 UCLA for the most wins in softball this spring with 25 victories. But what was later uncovered was the fact that since at least 1989 no first-year head coach had ever led the country in wins. That is until Ricketts took the helm.

"To me, it's a new era of Mississippi State softball," senior pitcher Alyssa Loza said. "It's a continued family culture. We pride ourselves on being a family. With the Ricketts Effect, you can see that. You can see each of us balling out and playing for one another. You can see it in her too. She will do absolutely anything for us. She pushes us. She's there for us. It's special."

More than any statistic or record, the student-athletes appreciate their relationship with the Bulldogs' head coach. For them, that's what is really behind the Ricketts Effect.

"It's easy to go and talk to her all the time, not just about softball," Quinn said. "You're more than just an athlete. You're a person first, and then you're an athlete. I think that takes off a lot of pressure. That's the biggest thing. You still respect her, but you can talk to her like she's your friend."

Ricketts challenged the team to be more player-led and less coach-fed this year. The Bulldogs adopted the mantra "F.A.M.," which stands for "Family, Acceptance, Mission." It's about loving each other like sisters, accepting each other's differences and focusing on a common goal.

"The environment is great," Quinn added. "It's a positive environment all the time. Yeah, we're competing with each other, but it's not like 'I hope she drops a ball.' You're competing in a positive way. You're trying to push each other."

For more information on the Bulldog softball program, follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching "HailStateSB."

Mississippi State University Athletics

Players Mentioned

Mia Davidson

Alyssa Loza

Sarai Niu

Christian Quinn

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