GoUSFBulls.com Eriksen Inks Eight for Class of 2018

[Triple B]

TAMPA (Nov. 13, 2017) – Head coach Ken Eriksen and the USF softball program are excited to announce one of the most well-rounded recruiting classes the program has ever seen.
 
The Bulls added athleticism to the program by recruiting eight student-athletes that can play multiple positions.
 
Meghan Sheehan (Forest Hill, Md.) from John Carroll High School brings speed, power, and versatility to the Bulls. The left-handed hitter can play infield and outfield.
 
"Meghan is a threat at the plate in all respects," said Eriksen. "Good eye, can bunt, can slap and she can hit not only for average but also with power. She is a modern-day nuisance for the defense."
 
Like Sheehan, Jaycie Micheal (Eustis, Fla.) from Eustis High School is a major offensive threat at the plate. She is an outfielder that covers a lot of ground.
 
"Jaycie is the type of hitter that can bat one through five in your lineup," said Eriksen. "Similar to Sheehan, she has the ability to do multiple things at the plate. I am also looking forward to her continuing the tradition of strong outfield play at USF. Not many balls will fall at the USF Stadium with the addition of Jaycie."
 
Tayli Filla (Ft. Myers, Fla.) from Bishop Verot High School has a resume on the field that includes playing many positions including pitching. The versatile Filla also carries a heavy bat and is expected to give the Bulls another powerful hitter.
 
"Tayli can be one of those hitters that you don't expect to hit for both average and power," said Eriksen. "Her head for the game and her work ethic will make the transition to Division I very successful. To have her ability to pitch is also a bonus."
 
Brittany Hook (Willow Street, Pa.) from Penn Manor High School is a right-handed pitcher that can spot pitches and change speeds very well.
 
"Brittany reminds me of a Greg Maddox type of pitcher," said Eriksen. "She can throw hard when she needs to, but she can get a hitter uncomfortable very quickly with her spins and speed changes. I look forward to her development as a pitcher with coach Jess Moore."
 
Nicole Bechtel (Harrisburg, Pa.) from Central Dauphin High School is another Pennsylvania native that caught coach Eriksen's eye during a clinic. Bechtel, a catcher by trade, has played extensive travel ball the last few years, honing her skills for the transition to college softball.
 
"Nicole will give us the traditional skilled catcher behind the plate," said Eriksen. "One with great instincts, can stop the running game with her arm, and keep balls in front. Combine that with good pop in her bat at the plate, and Bechtel will challenge for playing time when she arrives on campus."
 
Dezarae Maldonado (Winter Haven, Fla.) form Auburndale High School is a slick fielding, middle infielder that carries a heavy barrel with her hitting. The softball savvy Maldanado can play any infield position.
 
"Dez has developed quickly the last few years," said Eriksen. "Last summer her team captured a USA championship. That experience spells 'winner' for us. We can expect to see Dez at a few different spots for us as her versatility gives us tremendous depth in the infield."
 
Megan Hargraves (Okeechobee, Fla.) from Okeechobee High School is a left-handed hitter that joins Sheehan and Michael as hitters that can bunt, slap and hit.
 
"Megan's love for the game, her work ethic and her capacity to play all situations at a high level make her a valuable asset for any team," said Eriksen. "We can utilize her in the middle of the infield and the outfield. Hargraves gives us exciting options offensively."
 
Megan Pierro (Lutz, Fla.) from Steinbrenner High School is a left-handed hitting infielder that can play in the middle or third base.
 
"Megan Pierro is an old school type of grinder that relishes her time on the field training to get better," said Eriksen. "Pierro is a pure hitter that can play anywhere in the infield. Her wherewithal of situational play will make her very comfortable within our defensive schemes."

Edited November 13, 2017 by Triple B

[JoeB]

3 Megans in this class

[Apis Bull]

This sport is an enigma to me.  We have the coach of USA Softball, I would think that he'd be able to sign the best of the best.

[Orlando Bull]

19 minutes ago, Apis Bull said:

This sport is an enigma to me.  We have the coach of USA Softball, I would think that he'd be able to sign the best of the best.

Softball has become a rich girls sport and a lot of privileged kids want to go to "big time" schools (SEC in the southeast, PAC out west). That's my only explanation. During the time when the sport was really gaining popularity, USF facilities were awful, so, that didn't help us to keep pace with other in-state and southeast rivals for recruiting purposes.

[NewEnglandBull]

Hope they all workout after a disappointing last season. We were on a role for a while. 

[charsibb]

Seems like an impressive class, but unusually large. Translation, we'll be starting some freshmen, so don't get your hopes too high.

[Apis Bull]

10 minutes ago, charsibb said:

We'll be starting some freshmen, so don't get your hopes too high.

Does that make that much of a difference in women's softball?  I honestly don't know.  

[charsibb]

1 minute ago, Apis Bull said:

12 minutes ago, charsibb said:

We'll be starting some freshmen, so don't get your hopes too high.

Does that make that much of a difference in women's softball?  I honestly don't know.  

Yes, experience matters in all team sports

Unless one of them is the LeBron equivalent, then look out!

[Apis Bull]

7 minutes ago, charsibb said:

Yes, experience matters in all team sports

I know, but it matters more in some over others.

[NewEnglandBull]

Probably the only USF sport that I just can’t get into. But I hope they do well thus year with new recruits.