The UCF softball team continues to make waves in the offseason, securing their third transfer signing with the addition of right-handed pitcher and designated player Sona Halajian. Halajian, a fifth-year graduate student, joins the Knights from the California Golden Bears, marking UCF’s second acquisition from Cal this offseason. Assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Becca Mueller also made the move to UCF after three successful seasons with the Golden Bears.
In other coaching news, University of South Florida head softball coach Ken Eriksen announced the promotion of Jim Beitia to assistant coach. Beitia brings a wealth of experience to the position, having been to the Women’s College World Series five times, including one National Championship. He has also coached the Spanish National Team, participated in the National Professional Fastpitch League, and worked with Back Softball to reinstate the sport in the Olympics.
Meanwhile, UCF’s rival program, the Florida Gators, announced the addition of Jocelyn Erickson to their team. Erickson, a transfer from Oklahoma, made an immediate impact during her freshman season with the Sooners. Her standout performance included a .337 batting average, 32 RBIs, and 18 extra-base hits. Erickson’s arrival bolsters an already strong Gators lineup as they aim to defend their 2023 National Championship title.
North Florida softball is also strengthening its roster with four transfer additions. Allison Benning, Jordyn Meyer, Logan Turner, and Kylah Berry bring Division I experience to the program, with Benning coming from Oregon as a former top-15 recruit. These transfers will undoubtedly add depth and talent to the Ospreys’ lineup in the upcoming 2024 season.
Elsewhere, Stetson Softball welcomes Becca Taylor as the new pitching coach, while Mike Forsythe takes on the role of pitching coach for the FIU Panthers. These coaching additions demonstrate a commitment to enhancing pitching staffs and developing players at both Stetson and FIU.
As the college softball offseason unfolds, these transfer signings and coaching appointments are set to shape the landscape of the sport. Stay tuned for more updates as teams continue to strengthen their rosters and prepare for the upcoming season.
