Ricketts Named American Samoan National Team Head Coach

STARKVILLE – Mississippi State head softball coach Samantha Ricketts was selected by the American Samoan Softball Association to lead the nation's Women's National Team on Tuesday.

American Samoa claimed gold at the Pacific Mini Games in Palau last July and is seeking to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Former Bulldog Chloe Malau'ulu played with that team.

Ricketts' appointment begins a new chapter in a career that has been deeply connected to her heritage. Her mother, Carol, can trace her lineage to the village of Leone on the island. Since she arrived in Starkville as an assistant coach, Ricketts has created an environment that has drawn additional Samoan athletes to Nusz Park.

Over the last decade, MSU has always had at least one player with Samoan heritage on the roster. Ricketts' connection to the island and its familial culture has brought seven American Samoan players to Mississippi since 2016, including current sisters Kiarra Sells and Kalani Sells. The Sells sisters would be eligible for selection to the national team along with graduate assistant Matalasi Faapito and alumni Fa Leilua and Sarai Niu.

"To be entrusted with leading Team American Samoa is a tremendous honor and a responsibility I carry with deep pride and humility," Ricketts said. "This opportunity is about more than LA2028. It's about building a sustainable pathway that connects our culture, our people and our athletes across generations. I am grateful to the ASSA for the belief they have placed in me, and I am committed to honoring American Samoa through the way we build, compete and grow together."

Ricketts brings a significant amount of high-level experience and expertise to the team. Entering her 15th season of full-time coaching and 12th at MSU, she has made a name for herself as one of the game's rising coaching stars. Most notably during her time at State, she has guided the Bulldogs to their first NCAA Super Regional and highest ranking in program history.

She has coached 16 Bulldogs who went on to professional careers and led multiple players to All-Region honors in each of the last seven seasons, including a school-record six players in the 2025 campaign. Last fall, she broke the MSU record with her 45th win over a ranked opponent and she sits on the cusp of 200 career wins in Maroon and White.

"As a proud daughter of American Samoa with lineage rooted in the village of Leone, Coach Ricketts' appointment carries deep meaning for our softball community and our nation," ASSA president Fa'asao Sili said. "Her journey, accomplishments and dedication to the game serve as an inspiration to our athletes, coaches and young players who aspire to represent American Samoa at the highest level."

Ricketts will be the second MSU head coach to coach a national team, joining former head coach Jay Miller. Former MSU All-American Iyhia McMichael also serves a coach for the United States U-15 Girls National Team. A total of 16 Bulldog players have represented six counties on the international stage along with current assistant coach Zac Shaw, who captains the United States Men's National Team.

Ricketts will lead American Samoa through the qualification window for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Her first games in the dugout for Team American Samoa will come at the Canada Cup in Surrey, British Columbia (July 6-12) and the USA Softball International Cup in Oklahoma City (July 28-Aug. 3).

Six nations, including the host United States, will compete in Oklahoma City. The remaining five qualifiers for the Olympic tournament will be determined by the 2027 WBSC Women's Softball World Cup, regional championships and a last-chance qualifier tournament.

Mississippi State will open the 2026 season on Thursday at the Getterman Classic in Waco, Texas. State will face Baylor on Opening Day at 6:30 p.m. CT. MSU's home opener is set for 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 10 against Southern Miss.

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

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Ricketts Named American Samoan National Team Head Coach

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