What does it mean to be shaped by great coaching, compete at the highest levels of the game, and still have the courage to speak up when something bigger than softball is at stake?
In this episode of When the Cleats Come Off, Ashley sits down with Kiki Stokes, former Big Ten standout, professional softball player, and one of the most powerful voices to come through the game, for a conversation about culture, identity, leadership, and using sport as a platform for something greater.
Across this two-part conversation, Kiki reflects on growing up in a competitive family, being coached by her dad, and thriving in the culture built at Nebraska. She also opens up about one of the most defining moments of her professional career — being the only Black player on her team when a deeply insensitive tweet from her general manager changed everything and led to the creation of This Is Us Softball.
This episode is both inspiring and deeply important, offering lessons in grit, leadership, advocacy, and the power of standing together.
Growing Up Competitive and Learning From Family
Kiki’s love for sport started early.
She shares what it was like growing up playing football with her brother, how those experiences shaped her toughness and athleticism, and the impact of being coached by her dad. Those early years helped form the competitor she would become and gave her a strong foundation in discipline, resilience, and confidence.
Her story is a reminder that athletic development often begins long before the spotlight ever arrives.
Â
The Culture That Shaped Her at Nebraska
Kiki also reflects on her experience playing for the University of Nebraska and what it meant to be part of a program led by a Hall of Fame coaching staff.
She talks about the culture that was created there, the standards that shaped her, and why that environment had such a lasting impact on her life. In many ways, those experiences helped inspire her own interest in coaching and influenced her decision to step into that role at South Dakota State.
This part of the conversation highlights just how powerful strong program culture can be in shaping athletes beyond the field.
Â
When Softball Became Bigger Than the Game
The second half of the episode shifts into one of the most powerful conversations on the podcast.
Kiki opens up about what it was like being the only Black player on the Scrap Yard Dawgs roster when the team’s general manager posted an insensitive tweet about the American flag. What followed was a defining moment — not just in her career, but in the softball world.
Kiki shares how her teammates rallied around her, how the team made the decision to stand for something bigger, and how This Is Us Softball was born out of that experience.
Awareness, Empowerment, and Unity
At the heart of This Is Us Softball are three words: Awareness, Empowerment, and Unity.
Kiki explains the meaning behind those values and why they mattered so much in that moment. More than a response to one incident, the movement reflected a deeper desire to create space for truth, support, and progress within the sport.
Her honesty and leadership throughout this conversation make it one of the most meaningful episodes in the library.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- How Kiki’s family and childhood shaped her athletic mindset
Growing up competitive and learning early lessons through sport. - What made Nebraska’s culture so impactful
The role of strong coaching and team standards in athlete development. - Why culture matters in shaping future leaders
How great environments influence life beyond softball. - What happened during Kiki’s professional career with the Scrap Yard Dawgs
A defining moment that challenged the sport to do better. - How This Is Us Softball was created
The mission behind Awareness, Empowerment, and Unity. - Why using your voice matters
Leading with courage when something bigger than the game is at stake.
