USF’s all-time winningest head coach in any sport will resume the pursuit of 1,000 victories after reassuming his role as leader of the Bulls’ softball program over the summer.
When he’s not wearing Green and Gold, Eriksen will be putting on his Red, White and Blue to continue serving as head coach of USA Softball. Eriksen went on leave for the 2020 USF season to guide Team USA through the “Stand Beside Her Tour” in preparation for the 2020 Summer Olympics, which were postponed in March because of the pandemic.
Fortunately, the Tokyo Games are back on in July 2021 and Eriksen is ready to tirelessly guide two prestigious programs. He’s also grateful to USF, especially Vice President of Athletics Michael Kelly, and USA Softball Executive Director Craig Cress for making it all possible through teamwork.
“I am looking forward to balancing my full-time commitment with USF and our training with USA Softball in pursuit of the top step at the Olympic Games,” Eriksen said.
Getting back in his USF groove certainly won’t be a problem for a person who has been part of the university for 41 of his 59 years. Eriksen first came to USF as a freshman from Stony Brook, N.Y., in 1979 and hasn’t left since then.
