TAMPA, Fla. (November 13, 2025) – Head Coach Ken Eriksen and the University of South Florida softball team announced the addition of three student-athletes to the 2026 signing class. Calli Huff, Ariana Lara, and Bria Villano will join the Bulls in the fall of 2026.
 
South Florida's 2025 signing class brings together a dynamic mix of power, versatility, and championship pedigree. The group features Calli Huff, a proven power hitter and offensive leader from Kentucky; Ariana Lara, a versatile Florida infielder known for her consistency and elite bat; and Bria Villano, a nationally ranked Florida standout with international experience and multiple national championships. Together, this class blends strength, athleticism, and competitive fire — a collection of players who embody the toughness, versatility, and winning mindset that define USF Softball.
 
Calli Huff
Bowling Green, Ky. | Greenwood High School | Catcher
 
Huff enters her senior season following a dominant 2025 campaign in which she hit .432 with a .538 on-base percentage, a 1.521 OPS, and 17 home runs, driving in 59 runs. Her performance earned her a spot on the KHSAA All-District Team, West Junior All-Stars, All-Region First Team, and KSCA Class 3A Honorable Mention All-State honors.
 
Her breakout junior year in 2024 included a .429 batting average, 1.545 OPS, and 17 home runs, leading to multiple awards — 14th District All-District Team, Co-MVP, KSCA All-State Honorable Mention, 4th Region Coaches All-Region First Team, and Offensive Player of the Year.
 
Since her freshman season, Huff has been a proven producer, earning Rookie of the Year and the Highest Batting Average Award in 2022, followed by the Game Changer Award and KHSAA 4th Region All-Tournament Team selection in 2023.
 
From Head Coach Ken Eriksen
"Calli is a powerful catcher with a strong arm and outstanding athleticism. She swings a dynamite bat and has the tools to make an immediate impact at the next level."
 
Ariana Lara
Windermere, Fla. | Bishop Moore Catholic High School | Infielder
 
Lara turned heads during her junior campaign, posting a remarkable .704 batting average with six home runs, a .740 on-base percentage, and an incredible 2.118 OPS, ranking second in the state for total hits. Her record-breaking season earned her Team MVP honors, highlighting her growth into one of the state's most dangerous hitters.
 
Since making an immediate impact as a freshman — where she was named Rookie of the Year after hitting .325 — Lara has shown steady progression each season. She followed up with a strong sophomore year, improving across every offensive category and hitting .379 with an .887 OPS.
 
Across her career, Lara has built a reputation as a relentless competitor who thrives in clutch moments and brings energy on both sides of the ball. Her ability to consistently find barrels and drive the ball to all fields makes her a formidable offensive threat and a natural fit for the collegiate level.
 
From Head Coach Ken Eriksen
"Ariana brings tremendous versatility to our infield. It wouldn't be a surprise to see her play third base, shortstop, or second base during her time at USF. She's a solid all-around player who will turn heads with her power and consistency at the plate."
 
Bria Villano
Davie, Fla. | American Heritage School | Utility
 
Villano is the No. 36 overall and the No. 10 infielder/utility in the Class of 2026 by Extra Inning Softball. She is a two-time PGF National Champion with Unity Meadows/Johnson (2024 – 16U, 2025 – 18U). Villano has built an impressive resume across club, international, and high school competition. She has also represented Team USA on the international stage, earning a Silver Medal at the 2023 16U International Challenge and a Bronze Medal in 2022, while also being selected for the USA Softball High Performance Program 15U National Selection and honored as a Select 30 All-American.
 
At the high school level, Villano has been the cornerstone of a perennial contender, helping lead her team to a 2025 State Runner-Up finish and State Semifinal appearances in 2021 and 2024. She served as Team Captain in both 2025 and 2026, demonstrating leadership that matches her on-field impact.
 
Villano's consistency at the plate has fueled her success — hitting .368 with a 1.070 OPS as a junior and .400 with a 1.135 OPS as a sophomore — while also showcasing exceptional defensive range and reliability. Her standout play has earned numerous honors, including 2025 Sun Sentinel First Team All-County and Miami Herald Second Team All-County; 2024 Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald First Team All-County; 2024 Defensive Player of the Year; 2024 Miami Herald Athlete of the Week; and 2022–23 Second Team All-County.
 
From Head Coach Ken Eriksen
"Bria is an incredibly versatile player who could play just about anywhere on the field. She's a hard-nosed, old-school competitor who loves to win and brings a relentless 'go get 'em' mentality every time she steps between the lines. She's going to be a great addition for USF."
 
Tickets:
Tickets to watch Bulls softball at the USF Softball Stadium may be purchased by calling 1-800-GoBulls or clicking HERE.
 
Follow us:
To stay up-to-date on the latest USF Softball news, follow the Bulls on social media (X / Facebook / Instagram).
 
About USF Softball
The South Florida softball program has been one of the most successful on campus, making 18 NCAA tournament appearances, including a trip to the Women's College World Series in 2012. Under head coach Ken Eriksen, who enters his 29th season in 2026 and has accumulated 1,161 wins, ranking seventh among active DI head softball coaches, USF has produced 10 NFCA All-Americans, two USA Softball Top 10 Players of the Year, and one NFCA Pitcher of the Year. In 2022, Georgina Corrick became the first player in softball history to earn the NCAA Pitching Triple Crown. She led the nation in ERA (0.51), Victories (37), and total strikeouts (418).
 
– #GoBulls –