University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics
Staff Directory
Jimmy Ricklefsen
- Title:
- Director of Personnel and Scouting
- Email:
Veteran coach Jimmy Ricklefsen joined the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Baseball staff after the 2025 season, bringing with him one of the most respected and extensive resumes in Southeast Texas and southern Louisiana. Ricklefsen serves as an assistant coach and the program’s recruiting coordinator, while also working closely with infielders and assisting with hitters.
A staple of college baseball in the region, Ricklefsen enters his 39th season as a collegiate coach. Prior to his arrival in Lafayette, he spent 23 total seasons at McNeese as a player, graduate assistant, assistant coach, and head coach. He began his coaching career under legendary McNeese and Louisiana head coach Tony Robichaux before serving as head coach from 1995-97.
Most recently, he served as the Cowboys' assistant head coach and recruiting coordinator after returning to the program in 2016. Between his two tenures at McNeese, Ricklefsen spent 19 seasons on staff at Lamar, including six as associate head coach.
In 1995, Ricklefsen guided McNeese to the most successful season in program history as head coach, finishing 41-16 with a school-record .719 winning percentage. Throughout his career, he has been part of every McNeese conference championship season except two, a testament to his consistency and impact. His coaching journey also includes helping guide Lamar to multiple Southland Conference titles and six NCAA Regional appearances.
His impact on player development is undeniable. Over his time at McNeese and Lamar, Ricklefsen coached:
Beyond the field, Ricklefsen has contributed to the sport at a national level. He served three years on the NCAA’s Southern Region At-Large Search Advisory Baseball Committee and is a lifetime member of the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA), an honor given to only 450 coaches nationwide. He was officially inducted as a lifetime ABCA member on January 7, 2022.
Ricklefsen’s Coaching Timeline
Personal
A native of Houston, Ricklefsen and his wife Andrea have a daughter, Lauren. Lauren and her husband Garrett Buller are the proud parents of three children: Hudson Lane, Adalynn Grace, and Ella James.
A staple of college baseball in the region, Ricklefsen enters his 39th season as a collegiate coach. Prior to his arrival in Lafayette, he spent 23 total seasons at McNeese as a player, graduate assistant, assistant coach, and head coach. He began his coaching career under legendary McNeese and Louisiana head coach Tony Robichaux before serving as head coach from 1995-97.
Most recently, he served as the Cowboys' assistant head coach and recruiting coordinator after returning to the program in 2016. Between his two tenures at McNeese, Ricklefsen spent 19 seasons on staff at Lamar, including six as associate head coach.
In 1995, Ricklefsen guided McNeese to the most successful season in program history as head coach, finishing 41-16 with a school-record .719 winning percentage. Throughout his career, he has been part of every McNeese conference championship season except two, a testament to his consistency and impact. His coaching journey also includes helping guide Lamar to multiple Southland Conference titles and six NCAA Regional appearances.
His impact on player development is undeniable. Over his time at McNeese and Lamar, Ricklefsen coached:
- 108 MLB Draft selections
- 12 future Major Leaguers
- 24 All-Americans
- 184 All-Conference players
- 6 Southland Conference Players of the Year
- 7 SLC Hitters of the Year
- 9 SLC Pitchers of the Year
- 6 SLC Newcomers of the Year
- Numerous All-Decade honorees across the 1990s and 2000s
Beyond the field, Ricklefsen has contributed to the sport at a national level. He served three years on the NCAA’s Southern Region At-Large Search Advisory Baseball Committee and is a lifetime member of the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA), an honor given to only 450 coaches nationwide. He was officially inducted as a lifetime ABCA member on January 7, 2022.
Ricklefsen’s Coaching Timeline
- Louisiana – Assistant Coach / Recruiting Coordinator (2026–Present)
- McNeese – Assistant Head Coach (2023–2025)
- McNeese – Assistant Coach (2016–2023)
- Lamar – Associate Head Coach (2010–2015)
- Lamar – Assistant Coach (1998–2010)
- McNeese – Head Coach (1995–1997)
- McNeese – Assistant Coach (1988–1994)
- McNeese – Graduate Assistant (1987)
Personal
A native of Houston, Ricklefsen and his wife Andrea have a daughter, Lauren. Lauren and her husband Garrett Buller are the proud parents of three children: Hudson Lane, Adalynn Grace, and Ella James.
Inside Louisiana Athletics Recap for Oct 1, 2025 to Oct 7, 2025
Tuesday, October 07
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Monday, October 06
Kristi Gray Media Availability Oct (6, 2025)
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