Preseason ALL-SEC Malau’ulu set to be leader for Bulldogs

Mississippi State graduate outfielder Chloe Malau'ulu is an extension of head coach Samantha Ricketts on the softball field.

Over the years, Mala'ulu and Ricketts have formed a strong relationship and both understand the process for the Bulldogs.

Malau'ulu is expected to have a strong season for MSU this spring and was chosen to the Southeastern Conference Preseason Team on Thursday.

“She's been voted our team captain the last two years and even the year before she was on that same leadership council,” Ricketts said of Malau'ulu. “For three years, she has been that huge presence in the locker room. I think for just doing everything the right way. She's a hard worker in the class room, in the weight room and on the field. She leads by example with her words and has really grown in that role. You can see how that has helped her performance-wise as well. I think she may have had four at-bats her freshman year to having a full-time role in year two, was ALL-SEC Defensive Team and grew into second team ALL-SEC last year.”

Malau'ulu started all 64 games last season and was one of four MSU players to do so. She helped the Bulldogs make the first NCAA Super Regional in program history, while leading the way in hits with 64, doubles with 12, triples with two and stolen bases with seven.

With a batting average of .332, slugging percentage of .546, on-base percentage of .422, 46 runs and 104 total bases, Malau'ulu stood second at MSU in those offensive categories last year.

“She continues to get better and better in development on the field,” Ricketts said. “You love when one of your best players is your leader because everyone buys into what she is saying. She understands what the coaches message is and she is a one that reenforces that.”

Malau'ulu has been a great defender for the Bulldogs as well. She led the SEC for the second straight season with seven outfield assists in 2022 and has 15 career outfield assists, which rank third in school history.

Being a leader is “more of a natural aspect” for Malau'ulu, but she knows what's important for MSU to be successful.

“I know trust is a big thing on our team so to have that trust trickle down from (Ricketts), through me and the rest of the team is going to be a big aspect of the game this year,” Malau'ulu said.