TAMPA, Fla. (January 23, 2026) – The foundation of South Florida softball once again rests in the circle and behind the plate as the Bulls enter the upcoming season with a pitching and catching unit built on experience, depth, and competitive edge. With a blend of proven returners, impactful transfers, and emerging talent, South Florida's battery is positioned to anchor the defense and set the tone throughout the 2026 campaign.
 
"Pitching and catching set the identity of your team," head coach Ken Eriksen said. "Everything we do defensively and competitively starts there."
 
Pitching Staff: Depth, Versatility, and Development
South Florida's pitching staff enters the season with one of the deepest and most versatile groups in recent memory. The Bulls return significant experience in the circle, led by Belle Sardja and Anne Long, both of whom gained valuable championship-level innings last season. Sardja brings leadership and composure built on precision and control. At the same time, Long continues to develop as one of the most efficient arms on the staff, anchored by an elite drop ball and the ability to work quickly through lineups.
 
"Belle brings a wealth of experience," Eriksen said. "She's one of those Greg Maddux-type pitchers that throws at all different speeds and gets hitters to get themselves out."
 
Long's continued growth and confidence have reinforced her role as a steady presence in the rotation.
 
"She's got one of the better drop balls I've ever seen at USF," Eriksen said. "She could throw a complete game in 65 to 70 pitches."
 
The Bulls also add experience through transfer Carley Ernst, who logged significant innings as a freshman at Hofstra and continues to show rapid development within the program.
 
"She was thrown into the fire last year," Eriksen said. "What she showed in the fall with her learning curve gets us really excited."
 
Hannah Marien's emergence has further strengthened the staff, as the athletic right-hander made major adjustments during the fall and now attacks hitters with confidence and movement.
 
"When she gets ahead in the count, that's her bread and butter," Eriksen said. "She can really move the ball around."
 
Sophomore McKenna Schroding adds another reliable option after a strong fall, while freshman Amelia Jacob brings promising capability and upside as she continues to develop at the collegiate level. The balance of veterans, sophomores, and newcomers gives South Florida the flexibility to deploy multiple arms in a variety of roles.
 
"We have a very deep staff," Eriksen said. "You could use six pitchers in a ballgame and feel confident about it."
 
Catchers: Leadership Behind the Plate
Behind the plate, South Florida features a deep and experienced catching group that provides stability, leadership, and flexibility throughout the season. Transfer Kiley Strott steps into a key role, bringing composure and game-management skills while helping fill a void as Camille Ortiz-Martinez trains with the Puerto Rican National Team for the World Championships.
 
"Smart catcher behind the plate, controls the ballgame," Eriksen said. "Pitchers love throwing to her."
 
Strott also adds consistency to the lineup, capable of contributing offensively in multiple ways.
 
"Kiley can go short game, mid-game, power game," Eriksen said. "You're not going to get hurt with her in the lineup."
 
Dharma Murray returns for her third season and continues to trend upward, providing experience behind the plate while working toward greater offensive consistency and power. Freshman Abbie DeWaters brings immediate defensive impact, highlighted by arm strength that helps shut down opposing running games, while continuing to grow in confidence and approach at the plate.
 
"She might have the best arm on the team," Eriksen said.
 
Kacey Wilkes adds a versatile, multidimensional element to the group, capable of contributing behind the plate or in the field, giving the Bulls added mobility and depth.
 
"We're very fortunate to have the four catchers that we have," Eriksen said. "It's a deep, deep catching staff."
 
Building the Battery
The relationship between pitcher and catcher remains a cornerstone of South Florida's success. The Bulls' battery works cohesively to establish tempo, make in-game adjustments, and respond to adversity, allowing pitchers to attack the zone with confidence and catchers to manage the flow of the game.
 
"When pitchers trust their catchers and catchers trust their pitchers, you see confidence," Eriksen said. "That's when you play your best softball."
 
Outlook
With a pitching and catching unit that blends experience, depth, and continued development, South Florida enters the season well-equipped to compete in the American Athletic Conference and beyond. As the Bulls pursue another postseason run, the strength of the battery will play a central role in shaping the team's identity and success throughout the year.
 
Tickets:
Season tickets for the upcoming softball season are now available, starting at $65.  Fans may also add a general admission baseball season ticket for an additional $25, providing access to all home baseball games. For more information or to purchase season tickets, visit the official website at gousfbulls.com or contact the ticket office at 1-800-Go-Bulls or click HERE.
 
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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 1,171 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).
 
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