WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. ââ'¬" After leading her high school to two section titles and a regional title, Erika Beeler went on to pitch at Anderson University in 2015. Now, two years later, she is returning to the circle, this time for the Boilermakers, just 50 miles west of her home town of Sharpsville, Indiana.
She describes her game as gritty and says the best feeling in the circle is executing the change up. Beeler also has fond memories of throwing her first shutout and dreams of being a softball coach. Just like that change up can fool hitters, beware to those who think of Beeler as one dimensional. Case in point, a small twist on that dream job though is that she also wants to own a small farmhouse décor shop with a bakery inside.
A three-time all-conference selection and four-year academic honor roll member, Beeler calls herself respectful, motivated and determined. After posting a 4-5 record with a 2.75 ERA and 13 strikeouts in 20 innings as a rookie, Beeler knew she had more to prove, walking on to the Boilermaker squad this fall.
"Every team needs a teammate like Erika," head coach Boo De Oliveira said. "She is selfless, genuine, and supportive. She will continue to work to develop in the bullpen, as well as pinch run for us. Erika makes every person on the team better through her commitment to the program and her love of Purdue. She has been a great addition to the team this season."
Faith and family will help guide her in her journey on and off the field. She credits her pastors Steve and Dave for impacting her life and making her who she is. Beeler also looks up to both of her parents, whose support, guidance and encouragement throughout the years she is very thankful for.
She also gains inspiration from books like What Drives Winning and enjoys music by Carrie Underwood and Jason Crabb. Steak and salad are on the table as her favorite meal, followed by mint chocolate chip ice cream, or anything chocolate really.
We can't wait to see what unexpected surprises this pitcher has in store for Boilermaker fans and foes in 2017.
Get know Erika a little better below.
Fun Facts
Sweet or salty: Sweet
Chocolate or vanilla: Chocolate
Dogs or cats: Dogs
Cooking or eating: Cooking
Vacation: To the quiet country or to the big city: Quiet country
Coolest place I've ever been/or most unique locale: New York
Place I dream of visiting someday: Italy
Person I look up to most & why: I look up to both of my parents. I'm very thankful for their support, guidance and encouragement through the years. I know I would not be where I am today without them.
Best feeling in the field (defensively): Making a great play
Best Feeling at the plate (offensively): Not striking out
Best Feeling in the circle (pitching): Executing the change up
Favorite thing about my position (s): Striking opponents out
Three words that describe me: Respectful, Motivated, and Determined
One word to describe my game: Gritty
Team I am most excited to play in 2017: IU
My most memorable sports moment: Throwing my first shutout.
Celebrity crush: Carrie Underwood
Celebrity who would play me in a story of my life: Reese Witherspoon (AKA: my twin)
Person I would like to have dinner with: Carrie Underwood
Best non-athletic talent: Baking
My stupid human trick is: Making a clover with my tongue.
Dream job: My dream is to become a softball coach and own a small farmhouse décor shop (with a bakery inside).
Song I have to listen to before a game: Country Music
Favorite thing about playing at Boilermaker Softball Stadium (now Bittinger Stadium): The locker room
Place I am most excited to play in 2017: Hawaii
Person who has impacted my life/made me who I am: My pastors (Pastor Steve and Pastor Dave).
Favorite things
Favorite sweet treat: ANYTHING Chocolate!
Favorite ice cream flavor: Mint Chocolate Chip
Favorite holiday: CHRISTMAS! (I love decorating)
Favorite sport besides softball: Lifting/ Training
Favorite sports team: Pacers
Favorite Athlete: Paul George
Favorite TV show: The Real Housewives
Favorite Book: What Drives Winning
Favorite Musical Artist: Carrie Underwood/ Jason Crabb
Favorite type of pizza: Pepperoni
Favorite Actress: Mila Kunis
Favorite Foods: Steak and salad
Favorite place on campus: Bittinger Stadium and The CoRec
Favorite city: Nashville
Favorite outdoor activity: Sand Volleyball
Favorite animal/furry friend: Fluffy and Butters
Favorite class at Purdue: COM 325
Favorite Purdue professor: Dr. Downey