Ericson ‘Hoping To Do Great Things’ At UConn

Brady Ericson LHP / OF / The Woodstock Academy, CT / 2025

BROOKLYN, Ct. - A commitment to UConn has only motivated Brady Ericson to become better … much better.

“Since I committed it’s become real that I have to match the college level,” explained the senior at Woodstock Academy. “I finished high school season 13-0 and my fastball is up four miles an hour from 84 to 88. I’ve been in the gym trying to get more mass.

“The big thing in working toward college is getting my fastball up. Senior year I want to hit 90.”

Connecticut, Northeastern and Marist were the three main schools that the left-handed pitcher considered.

“They all wanted me to come on a visit,” Ericson related. “UConn is such a good program every year, it didn’t take me long to decide. I met (head) coach (Jim) Penders and he’s super nice. I’d never been to UConn and he showed me all the facilities. I met the guys, and it’s just 25 minutes from home.

“I talked to my family and a week later I got back to him,” the 17-year-old added. “I decided it was best for me.”

A left-handed hitting outfielder who can also play first base, UConn will give Ericson the chance to be a two-way player.

“They like that I can play both sides,” Ericson said. “They’re going to let me hit and pitch and see how it goes. They like my size and like my work ethic.”

At 6-7 230 pounds, what is not to like?

“All my coaches have told me to try to use my size to my advantage,” Ericson explained. “The main thing is to be so over the top to make the ball path harder to follow.”

Despite the obvious assets, the recruiting process was a bit difficult.

“It’s always been a dream,” Ericson said of playing baseball at the next level. “I’ve wanted to play MLB but there are steps to it.

“Initially it was super stressful. Going to showcase camps to try to get noticed, that’s stressful. But once UConn came to games I didn’t feel super stressed. Once I started talking to coaches it became more real but that was stressful. I just tried to play my game.”

Ericson, a 3.75 student considering business as a potential major, believes he can make an impact at the Big East Conference university.

“The main thing I’ll bring to the program is a good work ethic,” Ericson noted. “I plan to fill a role on the team pitching and hitting, bringing a lot of versatility to give a lot of options to the coaches.”

Ben Desaulnier and Scott Chaisson are credited with playing key roles in the recruiting process for Ericson, now relieved to have found a college home.

“I’m super happy with the decision I made,” Ericson concluded. “I’m excited to be part of the program and looking forward to seeing what being a college athlete is like. I’m hoping to do great things.”