News 10/15/2025 12:00:00 PM Get to Know Erica Mehalick; Head Softball Coach & Senior Woman Administrator TOWSON, Md. – The Landmark Conference is proud to spotlight the leaders shaping the student-athlete experience across our campuses. This month’s feature highlights Erica Mehalick, head softball coach and Senior Woman Administrator at Drew University. From preparing her team for competition to guiding student-athletes through leadership opportunities, Mehalick shares insight into her work both on and off the field. Describe a typical day in your role. Most of my time is spent preparing the softball team for competition, coordinating fundraising efforts, and organizing community service projects. As an administrator, I also work closely with SAAC and help plan service initiatives for all of our student-athletes. What’s something people might not realize about your job? When I was a student-athlete, I didn’t realize how much behind-the-scenes work goes into running a program, let alone an entire athletics department. It takes so many dedicated people working tirelessly to keep everything running smoothly. How do you support student-athletes beyond the game? As a coach, your impact extends far beyond the field. I hope to be someone our student-athletes feel comfortable coming to, whether they need support or want to share a success. I also encourage them to take advantage of campus resources and get involved in different clubs and organizations. What keeps you motivated during the busy times of year? Knowing that everyone is working toward the same goal: creating a positive, successful, and memorable experience for our student-athletes. How has your view of college athletics evolved over time? As a student-athlete, I was so focused on my sport. Once I started working in college athletics, I began to see the bigger picture. Balance is essential for our student-athletes to have a well-rounded college experience. Favorite tradition or campus event? Alumni Weekend, hands down. I love when the campus comes alive with current and former Drewids. It’s great for our student-athletes to connect with alumni, share stories, and bond over their time in the Forest. One book, podcast, or show you recommend? A few years back, our team read Mind Gym together. It sparked great discussions about mental strength and how it affects physical performance. What’s one thing you hope to accomplish this year? I’d love to see our student-athletes increase their participation in DIII Week events and really celebrate what it means to compete at this level.