Supporting Success

STARKVILLE – Every member of the Mississippi State softball coaching staff has played a valuable role in the Bulldogs' early success on the field.

State's assistants have put a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication into the program, which has allowed head coach Samantha Ricketts to spend extra time game planning and working on the important details that have led to the team's success at the plate.

"It really has been more of a group effort," Rickett said. "It's tough to be the head coach and the primary hitting coach, and that's something I've learned over my span as the head coach. Having good people is really valuable and important. Zac Shaw helps a ton with the offense and so does Tyler Bratton."

Working with hitters is an aspect of the game that Ricketts holds near and dear to her heart. With an increase to her devoted staff this year, Ricketts has been able to spend more one-on-one time with players in her area of expertise.

"For me, [offense] is something that I've always prided myself on throughout my career, and I felt like I wasn't able to take on as much of a role because I was having to handle the head coaching duties. Being able to keep Zac full-time was huge, and the addition of Alyssa Loza in a player development role too. We're able to get a lot of stuff done that, in the past, I would do all by myself."

MSU's coaching staff and assistants have put in long hours, which has played an integral part in the continuous building of the program's culture.

The group of players and staff in the Maroon and White are special, but the bonds they are forming make being a Bulldog much more meaningful.

"We are excited about how this season has started," Loza said. "Of course, it's a long season, and the work is never done. We're really glad that the girls are buying in. They're such an enjoyable group and being able to see their friendships, not only on the field, but off the field too is showing. You can see the genuine care that they have for one another and how much they want each other to succeed."

Loza's time in the Maroon and White has allowed for the development of an ever-lasting bond with Ricketts. Her role as a leader in player development has helped the program to continue an upward trajectory, while also allowing Ricketts to spend more time focusing on game preparations for the team.

"[In] the past six years now, three as a player and three on staff, we've built a really close relationship," Loza said. "I try to think five steps ahead and help out with whatever she needs. Whether it be with the scouts or getting our hitters warmed up with all the machines and making sure that every single resource that the players need, it's there and ready to go, so we're not wasting any time."

Through the first nine games of 2024, it is clear that the dedication from all members of the coaching staff is paying off.

State's offense leads the SEC with a team batting average of .377, which also ranks 11th in the NCAA. The offensive success has played a huge role in the Bulldogs securing four top-25 victories so far this season.

"The players want to work hard, and you see them take that to the plate," Ricketts said. "It's really just been an approach of hunting the mistake, being on the attack early in the count and finding ways to battle. I think they've all bought into that, and it's been fun to see them hit all different types of pitching from all different spots in the lineup."

Mississippi State University Athletics

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