Ermish signs on with Bryant University
She labels herself as a ‘math geek’, one with an interest in math and numbers.
Only fitting for Pottsgrove senior Gabi Ermish, as it was her numbers in the circle that had Division 1 universities scouting her out.
Call it a match made in heaven as Ermish, daughter of Lori and Mark Ermish, recently signed a National Letter of Intent to play softball at Bryant University, and will study finance at a university ranked with the fifth-best program in the country as published by the USA Today.
“I knew I was interested in finance and when I heard about Bryant I researched the school and found that their finance program is ranked in the Top 10,” Ermish said. “When I was on campus I just fell in love with it.”
Ermish also considered St. Joseph’s University and Fairfield University before finalizing her decision to continue her career at the Division I university located in Smithfield, Rhode Island.
The campus and atmosphere around the program were far more superior.
“I went up there for a softball camp last year in November but I didn’t know much about the school, the girls or the coach,” Ermish said. “Everyone was just so welcoming and I felt that I didn’t want to leave as soon as I got there. I loved seeing the girls all getting along and everyone was real cheerful, and cheering you on. I knew I wanted to be a part of it.
“As far as the campus, It’s in a great spot, It’s close to Providence and not far from Boston,” Ermish said. “I just love how it’s a small campus, 4,000 students. I like that I’ll be able to have a small class and be one-on-one with the teacher. They also just built a new training facility and are also building a sports medicine facility and a dome for sports. I’ve already seen the training facility and I loved it.”
Ermish joins a Bryant program that is headed by third-year coach Shayne Lotito. Lotito, a Boston University alum, guided the Bulldogs to their best season at the Division I level, posting a 32-22 overall record en route to the program’s first-ever NEC Regular Season Championship, NEC Tournament Title, and DI NCAA Tournament berth in 2014 before the team finished with a 17-32 overall record in 2014, 8-8 in the Northeast Conference.
What they get in Ermish should pay dividends quickly.
Ermish’s dominance in the circle was never greater than her junior season as the righty helped lead the Falcons to their first PAC-10 playoff berth in nearly 20 years, ultimately losing to Perkiomen Valley in an extra-inning semifinal. The Mercury All-Area First Teamer was named an All-State Class AAA Second Team selection, an All-PAC-10 Second Team selection, all while passing another milestone in collecting her 100th hit in the Class AAA district playoffs.
This year, with her future plans already prepared, Ermish is ready to take it a step further.
“Making it to the Final Four last year had to be my favorite moment,” Ermish said. “Even though we lost, it was really great to get there and I’m hoping we can do it again this year, except win this time.”
