Softball Countdown: Erin Erickson

Feb. 5, 2013

Softball Countdown: Erin Erickson

In our countdown to the start of the 2013 softball season, we are featuring all 24 Hawkeyes.

Erin Erickson is a freshman from Oakland, Calif. The outfielder wears No. 2 for the Hawkeyes. Erickson was a two-time first team all-conference selection at Bishop O’Dowd High School. She led the team to the North Coast Section Division III title as a freshman and sophomore for the first time in school history. An honor roll student, Erickson also played for the Nor Cal Cobras 12U team, the Nor Cal Shockers 14U squad and the 18 Gold Nor Cal Shockers.

Erin’s father, Mark, and great uncle, Eldean Matheson, played football at Iowa.

Iowa opens the season Friday in Houston, Texas. The Hawkeyes face Lipscomb and Texas State at the Hilton Houston Plaza Classic.

What was the key factor in your recruitment that led you to Iowa City and the Hawkeye softball program?
“I have always been a Hawkeye fan because my father played football here. I was born to be a Hawkeye. The coaching staff and the team made me feel welcome on my recruiting visit, and I knew Iowa was the right place for me.”

Is there any significance to the jersey number you wear?
“No. 2 was available and I am a huge (Derek) Jeter fan.”

Who is the most influential person in your life?
“My mom and dad are the most influential people in my life. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their love and support.”

What is your first softball memory?
“I first played little league when I was eight, and played with 10 year-old boys. The coaches played me at third base because none of the boys could throw the ball to first.”

What is your favorite kind of candy?
“I love Sour Patch Kids”

Do you have any hobbies?
“During the winter back home, I love to ski. I go up to the mountains as much as I can with my family and friends.”

Who is your favorite professional athlete?
“Buster Posey; he is a future hall of famer.”

What is your favorite TV show?
“My favorite TV show is Friends. I could watch it over and over again and still laugh just as hard as I did the first time.”

What did you want to grow-up to be when you were a kid?
“I wanted to be a clown; my parents were so proud.”

What is your favorite place to be on campus?
“The (Adler) Journalism Building is gorgeous, inside and out.”

As a spectator, what is your favorite sport?
“I love baseball. Go Giants!”

What is your favorite movie?
“Bridesmaids; Kristen Wiig is hilarious.”

What is your most prized possession?
“My most prized possession is my plaque of Matt Cain, when he pitched the first perfect game in San Francisco Giants history on my birthday — June 13, 2012.”

What is your favorite restaurant in the Iowa City area?
“The Pit; thank you Megan Blank for introducing me to their delicious BBQ.”

What is your most memorable softball memory?
“During my junior year of high school, during the breast cancer awareness game, I hit a grand slam to win the game. It was an amazing moment that I will never forget.”

What would be your ideal career?
“I would love to be a sports broadcaster on ESPN. It has been a dream of mine since I was little. I would be doing what I love the most; it wouldn’t even feel like work.”

What is one word that describes you?
“Unique.”