Erika Bennett joined the FGCU softball staff in Sept. of 2015. Bennett joins the FGCU softball staff after spending one year at Dodge City Community College as a pitching coach. While there, the Conquistadors compiled 142 strikeouts. Bennett also spent time assisting in the recruiting efforts. Originally from Hereford, Ariz., Bennett previously spent time at Lake Erie College in Painsville, Ohio while earning her MBA.
Bennett's second season at FGCU witnessed yet another strong performance in the circle, with Taylor Wade posting a career year and Riley Randolph remaining one of the strongest pitchers in the league. The Eagles' team ERA remained below 3.00 at 2.83, with Randolph recording a 2.06 ERA to end the season.
In her first season in Southwest Florida, Bennett's expertise helped lower FGCU's team ERA from 3.04 in 2015 to 2.81. Led by the Atlantic Sun's Pitcher of the Year and Freshman of the Year, Riley Randolph, the Eagles posted the second-lowest ERA in the conference.
Her talents were noticed by the Mexican National Team, where she has represented Mexico from 2013 and into this summer. Bennett first appeared for Mexico at the 2013 Pan American Classic in Puerto Rico. Later that year, Bennett recorded the lowest ERA of any pitcher at the Cuba Invitational. The Arizona native has helped Mexico to a fifth place finish at the 2014 World Cup, a fourth place finish at the 2014 Canada Cup and fourth place finish at the Central American and Caribbean Games. Bennett's latest appearance came in the 2015 World Cup and the 2015 Canada Cup.
Prior to her coaching career, Bennett led Miami Dade College to the NJCAA Division I National Title in 2010 while earning tournament MVP honors. In two years at MDC, Bennett compiled a 47-8 record, receiving All-America accolades, culminating with a season in which she earned six conference, regional and national awards.
She then transferred to Marshall for her junior and senior seasons, where she posted six wins while appearing primarily as a relief pitcher. During her senior season, Bennett finished with a 2.26 ERA and a 4-1 record. She ended her career with a 3.21 ERA and 86 strikeouts, while holding batters to a .241 average.
Bennett graduated from Marshall in 2012 with a bachelors in business administration. She later received her masters from Lake Erie College in 2014.
FGCU softball begins its fall schedule Saturday, Sept. 26 against Eastern Florida State College at 1 p.m.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT BENNETT:
"Erika had the privilege to learn from one of the best pitching coaches in the country in Carlos Caro. Erika has worked so hard to be such a great pitching coach herself, working her way from a junior college pitcher who won a National Championship to a great Division I player and now be able to give that strong work ethic back to future players." – Frank Reed, Head Coach University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
"I had the privilege to coach Erika with the Mexican National Team, where she pitched against some of the best hitters in the world. Erika was well respected by her peers and the entire coaching staff. She was always willing and able to help her teammates when needed. Erika will bring instant character and reliability to your program. I have no doubt that Erika will be a great coach and FGCU is lucky to have her." – Jorge Araujo, Assistant Coach Cal State Fullerton and Assistant Coach for Team Mexico
"I am extremely excited that FGCU has hired a truly outstanding young coach and amazing role model in Erika Bennett. As an athlete, Erika was a true champion while becoming a NJCAA National Championship & tournament MVP as well as representing Team Mexico at International Softball Sectioned Events. She has a tremendous amount of knowledge as a pitching coach through her career at Kansas, Miami Dade College, Marshall University and Team Mexico. I truly believe that she will work towards perfection in her profession making an impact on her pitching staff, getting the best out of them as athletes and people." – Carlos Caro, Pitching Coach Team Mexico, Former Head Coach Miami Dade
