Lefty Erica Nunn knew from a young age she was coming to the University of South Florida.
TAMPA — Erica Nunn listened to her coach’s advice to play at the University of South Florida.
Nunn, now a junior, played volleyball and softball in high school, but mentally knew being a softball pitcher was a thinking game she could conquer.
“My pitching coach in high school, Leigh Ann Ellis (now Genneti), came here and was the first to introduce me to the University of South Florida,” said Nunn, a 2014 Conference All-Academic Team member. “I came to a camp here in the eighth grade and have loved it ever since.”
The Raleigh, N.C., native had always envisioned that USF was a place where she wanted to be and follow in the footsteps of Ellis-Genetti. Nunn is very happy that she is able to play Division One softball and work with the USA junior softball team.
Pitching has offered Nunn an opportunity to think through the game and be able to impact her play. She has always enjoyed the challenge of being on the mound by herself and letting her thoughts dictate her pitches.
“I always played softball because I was a pitcher and it was more thinking for me,” said Nunn. “I like being in my own circle and think through certain situations, I like that.”
Nunn is majoring in Statistics and has a passion to learn in the classroom and translate that ability on the field.
The left handed pitcher is 5-4 this season, with a 2.48 ERA in 16 appearances. She threw her first career no-hitter in a 7-0 victory over Illinois State on Feb. 6.
Last season, she finished 11-7, with a 2.84 ERA in 36 appearances. The team is currently on a nine-game winning streak, through strong pitching performances.
Having time to reflect on her last two and a half years at USF, she has grown to love the program. Coming to the university, she was like any other freshman, coming into a new phase of life.
“USF has exceeded my expectations, great place to be and get an education,” said Nunn. “I didn’t know what I was getting myself into because I only heard so much about the school, but coming here has been the best time of my life.”
Follow Matt Malandruccolo @mally_matt