TAMPA, Fla. (February 4, 2026) – Last season was one to remember for the University of South Florida softball team — a 44-16-1 record, an American Conference Tournament championship, a pair of memorable duels against Auburn at the NCAA Regionals, and 18 comeback victories.
 
It was enough to show what was possible for the Bulls.
 
As the recharged and inspired Ken Eriksen begins his 30th season as USF's head coach, he said the highest goals are realistically on the table.
 
"I think we have the capability to go deep (in the NCAA Tournament) because we have our deepest (pitching) staff in a long, long time," Eriksen said, whose team begins Thursday against Bethune-Cookman at the USF-Rawlings Invitational, an event that also includes the Michigan Wolverines, who are receiving votes, and No. 6 Florida Gators.
 
"If you ask me what our record will be after 54 games, I can tell you right now it's going to be 54-0. There's not one we're not planning on winning, right? We'll see how the cards lay out. But if we stay healthy, we've got a really, really good chance."
 
Where's the ceiling?
 
"Oklahoma City … the (Women's College) World Series, man,'' said Eriksen, whose team was picked second in the American Conference preseason poll behind Florida Atlantic. "That's the mantra right now. They do not … not think they're going to get there. Keeping everything on an even keel emotionally is probably my (biggest) job, more than coaching.''
 
Under Eriksen, the Bulls have earned 18 NCAA Tournament bids and reached the WCWS just once (2012). That journey requires talent, experience, good health, and some luck as well.
 
But Eriksen's optimism is more than a mere wish. The Bulls believe they have the right stuff in 2026.
 
"Of course, I believe that," senior center fielder Alexa Galligani said of USF's championship aspirations. "I mean, I wouldn't be here if I didn't believe that. Obviously, that's our main goal. We take one game at a time, beginning with Opening Day. But the ultimate goal is to win every game and make it to Oklahoma City. I believe in our ability and versatility. I think it's going to take us super far."
 
USF's ace figures to be Belle Sardja, who was on the mound to record a breathless save in a 5-4 victory over North Texas in the American Conference title game. Last season, Sardja was 17-4 with a 1.99 ERA and nine saves.
 
Sardja, a fifth-year player, was granted an extra season of eligibility by the NCAA, a decision she described as "an opportunity that literally came out of the sky … it's a blessing no matter what happens."
 
The Bulls return sophomore Anne Long (7-5, 3.87) and Hannah Marien, who saw limited action last season after transferring from Stetson. There's also returner McKenna Schroding, plus freshmen Amelia Jacob and Sydney Shaffer.
 
Eriksen said USF's pitching staff was significantly strengthened by the acquisition of Hofstra transfer Carley Ernst, a sophomore who went 8-13 with six saves and a 4.00 ERA in 38 appearances. Ernst made the Coastal Athletic Association's All-Rookie Team.
 
"Our pitching staff right now is very fortunate to have players who can start, go middle, and end it," Eriksen said. "All of them can do it. We're six or seven deep. We feel really good about those opportunities to give us good innings."
 
Depth and versatility are also hallmarks of USF's lineup.
 
There's strength up the middle, with defensive wizard Kathy Garcia-Soto at second base and Alex Wilkes (.337, 11 home runs) at shortstop (after moving from the outfield), plus Galligani (.357) in center field.
 
At catcher, where Camille Ortiz-Martinez is taking the year off to train with the Puerto Rican National Team for the World Championships, there's a mix of experience and youthful potential. The Bulls will mostly rely on UCF junior transfer Kiley Strott, "somebody with experience behind the plate working with college pitchers that makes it easier for a coach to sleep at night," according to Eriksen. The Bulls also have sophomore Dharma Murray and a pair of promising freshmen in Abbie DeWaters and Kacey Wilkes.
 
USF features familiar names such as infielder DaNia Brooks (.312), infielder Jamia Nelson, outfielder Olivia Elliott (.353, 12 stolen bases), and utility player Karhys Pierce (.317), along with seven freshmen position players. Eriksen is particularly high on the potential of freshman outfielder Toryn Fulton.
 
"At the end of her four years, you're going to come back and say, 'Oh yeah, I remember when you (first) started talking about that kid,' '' Eriksen said. "That kid is pretty special.''
 
While acknowledging softball's fickle nature, Eriksen said he's confident that USF's day-in, day-out consistency will produce the desired results.
 
"Our game lies," Eriksen said. "You can play great and lose. You can play poorly and win. It's a lying game. But if we play well, I'm happy with what goes on, and I think it's going to work out the way it should."
 
All the way to Oklahoma City?
 
"I think nothing is impossible," Sardja said. "We're always going to strive for more."
 
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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