STARKVILLE -- Samantha Ricketts, one of the rising coaching stars in college softball who has directed the most explosive offenses in Mississippi State history, has been named the Bulldogs' sixth head softball coach, Director of Athletics John Cohen announced Monday.

"It became clear during our search that Samantha Ricketts was the right fit to lead Mississippi State softball," Cohen said. "Samantha's vision, national recruiting experience and her ability to teach the game were the biggest factors in our decision. She has been one of the most sought-after rising stars in the nation. Coach Ricketts has the utmost respect from our student-athletes and her peers around the country. With her SEC experience and her time at Oklahoma, she knows what it takes to develop our student-athletes into strong people both on and off the field."

Ricketts served as MSU's assistant coach from 2015-18 focusing on hitting and recruiting before being promoted to associate head coach on July 30, 2018. The San Jose, California, native has been a part of one Women's College World Series appearance, six NCAA Regional berths and two NCAA Super Regional appearances during her coaching career.

"I am honored and thrilled for the opportunity to lead Mississippi State softball," Ricketts said. "I am thankful to (Director of Athletics) John Cohen and (President) Dr. Mark Keenum for believing in me. I take so much pride in this program, and we will work extremely hard and efficiently in elevating Mississippi State softball to our ultimate goals. I am eager to continue to mentor our team, not just as Bulldog student-athletes but as first-class leaders in this community."