DUBUQUE, Iowa – Kellie (Klein) Ricke will be inducted into the Loras College Athletics Hall of Fame as a part of the 2025 class on Friday, Oct. 3 inside the Alumni Campus Center.

"It is a great honor to be receiving this award," said Ricke. "The Loras softball community is a special one and has taught me discipline, teamwork, and resilience. I am truly honored to be recognized."

Ricke, a four-year member of the Loras softball team, was an NCAA All-American in 2012, a member of the NCAA All-Region team in 2012, as well as a 4x All-Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference performer. Ricke still holds the all-time career home runs record 12 years later, after sending 24 over the fence during her four years in the Purple and Gold.

Ricke currently resides in Dubuque and is entering her 13th year as a special education teacher at Washington Middle School, where she was named Teacher of the Year by the Dubuque Community School District in 2022. She recently welcomed a baby girl, Parker, to the world in August. In addition to teaching, she also offers pitching and hitting lessons to girls in the area.