Ken Eriksen is the longtime head softball coach at the University of South Florida and the architect of the most successful era in program history. Since taking over the Bulls in 1997, Eriksen has led USF to 16 of its 17 NCAA Tournament appearances, including eight in the last 10 seasons, and guided the program to four finishes among the nation’s final 16 teams. His teams have advanced beyond regionals twice and reached the Women’s College World Series in 2012, the first team-sport national championship appearance in USF history. Overall, Eriksen owns more than 1,100 career wins at USF, making him the winningest coach in program history and one of the most respected leaders in collegiate softball.
Beyond Tampa, Eriksen is internationally recognized for his work with USA Softball. A former elite men’s fastpitch player and First Team All-World catcher, he transitioned into coaching at the highest level, serving on Team USA staffs before being named head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team in 2011. Under his leadership, Team USA captured multiple world championships, Pan American titles, and World Cup of Softball crowns, culminating in a silver medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games. Eriksen is also the only USF coach to have won an Olympic gold medal, as part of the legendary 2004 U.S. Olympic team staff. A USF graduate and former Bull baseball standout, Eriksen is known for his emphasis on relationships, player development, and competitive excellence, guiding USF softball as a perennial postseason contender while representing the program on the world’s biggest stages.
