Chasing more: Kasey Ricard

Growing up in a small town outside of Boston where softball wasn't always in the spotlight, Kansas City Diamonds pitcher Kasey Ricard never imagined she would one day be playing professional softball. Today, the former Boston University standout stands in the circle for the Diamonds, carrying with her not only a decorated collegiate career but also a mission much bigger than wins.

"I think my why is to be able to inspire kids from my area that they can do anything they want to regardless of what people say to them," Ricard said. "Growing up, I was told I would never be able to play at the Division I level. Getting the opportunity to do that and then play professionally is something I never would have dreamed was possible when I was 10 years old."

That determination was built on a foundation of unwavering support. While Ricard's accomplishments belong to her, she is quick to credit the people who helped make them possible. From countless rides to practice to attending every game, her family was there every step of the way.

"My parents supported me throughout everything," Ricard said. "They drove me everywhere and came to every game of my college career. My grandparents showed up to everything too. Being able to do this for them and for me is really cool."

Ricard's love for softball began like many young athletes, through friendships. She first picked up a glove at seven years old after joining friends on a local team. What started as a social activity quickly evolved into a passion fueled by competition and curiosity about the game.

"The social aspect made me start, but learning the game made me stay," she said. "Every position has its own challenges and its own way of seeing the game.”

Ironically, the position that would eventually define her career was one she initially disliked. As a young pitcher, Ricard struggled with the pressure that came with standing alone in the circle and carrying so much responsibility.

"When I was younger, I hated pitching," Ricard admitted. "I didn't like the spotlight. I didn't like having my team depend on me. But eventually I started to want the ball in those pressure situations, and I realized how much I loved controlling the pace of the game."

Today, that competitive fire is one of the first things fans notice when watching Ricard pitch. Whether it's a fist pump after a big strikeout or a roar after escaping a jam, she brings energy and confidence to every inning.

"I want younger players to see that confidence," Ricard said. "I know I'm not going to throw 70 miles per hour. My game is about spin and movement and getting hitters off balance. I want kids to see that you don't need to be someone else in order to succeed."

Despite being told by some that she wasn't destined for Division I softball, Ricard stayed loyal to Boston University, developed into one of the program's most accomplished pitchers, and eventually rewrote the record book.

"A lot of people think you have to go to a Power Four school to make it," Ricard said. "But the ball doesn't lie. You get where you are because of who you are and what you do."

Her collegiate experience also shaped her understanding of leadership. When she arrived as a freshman, two senior pitchers embraced her and celebrated her success. Years later, she found herself in the same position, helping younger teammates navigate the challenges of college softball.

"The first game of my college career, both seniors were cheering for me when I threw my first shutout," Ricard said. "That taught me what a true pitching staff should be. My goal was always to pass that down to the next group."

Now wearing a Diamonds uniform, Ricard has embraced the opportunity to continue her career while helping build something entirely new in Kansas City. The transition happened almost overnight. One week she was graduating from college; the next, she was boarding a plane to begin her professional career.

"I couldn't pass up the opportunity," Ricard said. "Being able to put on a uniform again and play with the best of the best is something I never expected."

The response from Kansas City fans has only strengthened her excitement. From open practices packed with supporters to community outreach events, Ricard has already seen firsthand the enthusiasm surrounding professional softball.

"Seeing how excited people are for women's professional softball has been amazing," Ricard said. "We've only been together for a short time, but the support has been incredible."

Off the field, Ricard's ambitions extend beyond softball. A health science major with a biology minor, she plans to apply to physician assistant school while continuing her professional playing career. Yet even as she looks toward her future, she remains grounded in the lessons that carried her to this point.

"Even on your worst days, you still have the opportunity to make an impact," Ricard said. "Having people who believe in you can change everything."

As the Diamonds embark on their inaugural season, Ricard hopes her legacy will be measured by more than statistics and records. She wants to be remembered for the way she competed, the people she impacted, and the example she set for young athletes chasing their own dreams.

"I want to be known not just for who I was on the field, but who I was off the field," Ricard said. "I want people to remember that I never gave up, always competed, and always believed I could achieve more than what others expected."

For the next generation of softball players, Ricard's story is proof that sometimes the biggest dreams begin in the places where few people expect them.