TAMPA, Fla. – In his third year at the University of Tampa, Drew Ehrhard continues to excel in academics, athletics, and in aiding the community.
The second baseman has continued to make helping the city he grew up in a priority despite the time required in playing for the school’s storied baseball program, one that won its fifth national championship, in 2019, under coach Joe Urso.
He spends some of his free time with local minor baseball programs and non-profit organizations such as Relay for Life, and Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful.
“I always try and give back whenever I can have some free time,” said Ehrhard, prior to a Tuesday night game against Northwood University. “I’m trying to teach the next generation of baseball and it’s something I really look forward to doing after [my career].”
This season, the junior is hitting .309 with 11 RBIs and one home run while playing full time at second base.
Ehrhard also excels in his academics where he has recorded the highest GPA on his team, a 3.9.
The pairing of his volunteer work and high academics allows him to be a leader for the Spartans.
“He knows the expectations off the field are very important,” said Urso. “The guys, they follow him in every way.”
The coach believes his ties to the city of Tampa and the school have aided him in his development as a baseball player.
Ehrhard says his mother, Shannon, gets all the credit when it comes to his academics, while his dad, Rodney, helps a ton in his athletic success.
Dad is a member of the UT Athletics Hall of Fame in baseball, so the son grew up around the program.
He sees the chance to coach young kids as a way to escape the constant demands of the season.
“It just makes me really realize that there’s more than just baseball,” said Ehrhard. “You step back and realize it’s a game … and there’s bigger, more important stuff out there.”