Grayson College is proud to announce the addition of Erika Bennett as the new Assistant Softball and Pitching Coach. With over a decade of coaching experience across all levels of softball and a decorated playing career, Bennett brings a wealth of knowledge and a championship mindset to the nationally ranked Viking softball program. 
Her coaching journey includes stops at Yavapai College, Texas A&M Kingsville, UTEP, Florida Gulf Coast University, Dodge City Community College, Lake Erie College and the Sierra Vista Diamond 16U Travel Ball team. 
Bennett's coaching impact was especially notable during the 2022 season at Yavapai, where her pitching staff posted a remarkable 2.03 team ERA and led the nation with 503 strikeouts. As a team offensively, they led the country and set a school record with 198 home runs. That same year, she coached the ACCAC Pitcher of the Year and First Team All-American Emily Dix and the NJCAA Regional Tournament MVP Emily Darwin. Their successes on the diamond led to the NFCA West Region Coaching Staff of the Year honors. 
"We are excited to welcome Bennett to the Grayson College softball staff," Athletic Director and Head Softball Coach Mike McBrayer said. "Her experience as both a player and a coach will be a huge addition to our coaching staff. I look forward to seeing the impact she will have with the pitching staff." 
Bennett's success as a coach is rooted in her decorated playing career.  As a pitcher for Miami Dade College in 2010, she helped lead her team to a NJCAA National Championship with a stellar 0.54 ERA in the tournament and 32 strikeouts in 26 innings pitched. She earned All-American honors at Miami Dade and recorded 47 wins in two seasons before continuing her  collegiate career at Marshall University. Bennett also competed internationally for five years with the Mexico National Team.
She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Finance from Marshall University and a Master's Degree in Business Administration from Lake Erie College. 
"I'm honored to join the nationally ranked Grayson College Softball program," Bennett said. "It's a privilege to work alongside such a talented staff and contribute to the continued development of the pitching staff. I look forward to mentoring our student-athletes, helping them grow and being part of a culture that demands the best on and off the field." 
Grayson College is excited to welcome Bennett to her new role, and looks forward to the impact she will make on and off the field.