Ericson pg 1 9-14-23
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Ericson
commits
to UConn
Woodstock Academy junior pitcher/outfielder Brady Ericson committed on Sunday to play Div. I baseball for UConn come 2025-26.
“I’m very excited,” Ericson said. “It’s an opportunity that not too many people get. I’m proud of it. I know it’s still two years away so I’m not going to let off the gas. I have to finish high school first but I’m very excited to go there.”
Ericson said the reason why he decided to commit so early was the opportunity that was offered was just too good to be passed up.
A chance to play Div. I baseball and attend school on a scholarship.
“It was very good. It helps my parents save a lot of money, helped me save a lot of money and it just works out very well,” Ericson said.
Ericson had a phenomenal sophomore year for the Centaurs.
He finished with a 6-0 record with an earned run average of 0.70. In 39 2/3 innings, the southpaw allowed only four earned runs, gave up only 15 hits and struck out 76 hitters while issuing only 19 walks.
He opened a lot of eyes when he pitched a no-hitter with 20 strikeouts against Ledyard.
His success carried into the AAU season over the summer.
“First of all, I want to congratulate him and his family,” said Woodstock Academy baseball coach Brian Murphy. “Brady is a unique talent. I think this is a great move on his path. UConn is in the top 20 (in college baseball) every year. Making a commitment to your home state and home state school is just tremendous.”
Ericson is not a one-trick pony. He also hit .343 for the Centaurs with three homers, five doubles, two triples and 19 runs batted in.
He expects to be both a pitcher and an outfielder in Storrs.
Ericson said Jim Penders, who will enter his 21st season as UConn head coach in 2024, was a big reason why he chose to be a Husky.
UConn showed its interest early and often.
“I do like coach Penders. I’ve talked with him over the phone a couple of times. He has come to watch a couple of games and I got to meet him. He’s very genuine, a good coach. He does it for the team. He’s not selfish, doesn’t do it for the money and I really feel like he can help me go in the right direction,” Ericson said.
In addition to the attraction of the coaching staff and the school itself, UConn does offer Ericson another advantage.
He will be close to home.
“I think that matters. When you can play the high-level, caliber of baseball at home and don’t forget, UConn travels. One of those trips is usually to Hawaii. He will get around and see the best teams but I think it will be good for the family and good for Brady to be local. Coach Penders runs a Class A program so I think it’s a great fit for Brady and his family,” Murphy said.
It also means it takes the pressure off finding a school after high school. It doesn’t relieve the pressure of “the grind” as Murphy calls it – the work that is needed for a Div. I college player to prosper.
“I’m able to compete at the high school level now, but I have to make sure I keep getting better. If I stay at this same skill level, I will not be able to compete at the college level. I have to keep improving, working hard, and just not giving up on the work I’m putting in,” Ericson said.
There is also good news for Woodstock Academy boys’ basketball coach Donte Adams.
Ericson plans to continue to play hoops for the Centaurs.
“I’m still playing. I’ve talked to the (UConn) coaches and they have told me that basketball is good, just to work on being part of a team, being a leader. Basketball will be good for my athleticism and gives me a break from baseball. I’m going to keep on playing,” Ericson said.
Two years is a long time.
“It might feel like a long time but people always say high school is the best time of your life so I’m going to try and enjoy every part that I can whether it be baseball, basketball, academics, anything, but I’m excited to be going to UConn,” Ericson said.
Marc Allard
Director of Sports Information
The Woodstock Academy
caption:
Junior Brady Ericson will be trading in his Centaur uniform for a UConn one in a couple of years after committing to play Div. I baseball for the Huskies over the weekend.
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