Erika Polidori has been named to the Hollie L. Lepley Hall of Honor class of 2020. Polidori was a member of the Oakland softball team from 20011-14. 

Polidori, a native of Brantford, Ontario, Canada played catcher and outfield for the Golden Grizzlies and earned all conference honors all four seasons. Polidori finished her career ranking fourth or better in 10 career statistical categories including second in batting average (.337), second in slugging percentage (.545) and second in career doubles (36).

In addition to paving her way in the Oakland softball record book, Polidori was a nominee for the Senior CLASS Award, honoring the attributes of NCAA Division I senior student-athletes in four areas: community, classroom, character and competition.

Polidori made the Canadian Softball Team in 2013, competing in the World Cup of Softball and the WBSC Americas Qualifier. Since then she has been a member of the national team and has helped guide Canada to a bronze medal twice. In 2015, she led Team Canada with a batting average of 0.455 at the Pan American Games in Toronto and contributed to the team's gold medal win over the United States. In 2019, Team Canada qualified for the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020.
 
What does being inducted to the Hall of Honor mean to you
I feel extremely humbled to be chosen as an inductee. I greatly admire this year's inductees and feel honored to be a part of this group. I remember hearing about the accomplishments, stories, and qualities of members inducted while I attended OU and it feels surreal to now be experiencing it from this perspective. My husband, family, friends, teammates, coaches, and support staff have played such a large role in this induction as I could not have accomplished anything without their support and encouragement. 
 
What does Oakland mean to you
Oakland was a place that welcomed me as an 18 year old and challenged me in every way to grow and evolve into the person I am today. My experiences at OU changed my life and prepared me for the future. I was able to pursue my dream degree while competing in Division I athletics and I couldn't have balanced my academics and athletics without the tireless work, assistance, and understanding of the Athletic and Nursing Departments. I am so grateful for all that the School of Nursing, the Athletic Department, and my coaching staff did for my during my time at OU. I am so happy in my decision to commit 4 years of my life to this university and all of the people that make it so special. 
 
What is your favorite Oakland memory
It was the Senior Day of one of my favorite teammates and friends, Kylie Schalz. Kylie had dealt with what should have been a career-ending injury but she had worked all offseason with her goal of playing again, despite doctors telling her she might not even walk again. On senior day, our coach told us that whoever got the first hit of the game would have Kylie pinch run for us for a pitch. I was lucky enough to get our first hit and it was extremely emotional for everyone on the field, as well as those watching, to watch Kylie walk out onto the field and play in the game. She is one of the strongest and most resilient people I know and I feel so lucky to have been able to play beside her and I know I'm a better person because of her. 
 
What does your sport mean to you
Playing softball has brought be so much joy, both on and off the field. I owe so much to the sport and the people that have helped me along my journey. It has allowed me to travel all over the world and explore different cultures. It paved a path for me to pursue a university degree. It has taught me so many life lessons about persevering, resiliency, time management, problem-solving, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and so much more. It has given me some of my closest friends and my favorite memories. I can't say enough about how important athletics, and softball specifically, has been in my life. 
 
What did you do after your Oakland experience
I am currently a member of the Canadian Women's Softball Team that recently qualified for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Right now I'm training full time with the team before the final roster is announced in the spring. I'm also working casually as a registered nurse within the clinical resource department in the hospital.

This year's induction ceremony will take place on Friday, Jan. 24, 2020 at the Auburn Hills Marriott Pontiac. The event is open to the public, and those interested in attending can register here.