Thomas enters his 10th season with the Gators in 2027.
Aric Thomas Named D1Softball National Assistant Coach of the Year Finalist
Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | Softball
Thomas leads Florida’s hitters and outfielders while serving as the Gators’ recruiting coordinator.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida softball assistant coach Aric Thomas has been named a finalist for the D1Softball 2026 National Assistant Coach of the Year, the outlet announced Wednesday morning.
Thomas enters his 10th season with the Gators in 2027, leading the development of Florida's hitters and outfielders while spearheading recruiting efforts.
Florida's offense remained one of the nation's most dominant in 2026, setting single-season program records for batting average (.356), on-base percentage (.455), hits (618), doubles (120) and total bases (1,076).
The Gators also established a program record for power, with seven different players recording double-digit home runs for the first time in school history.
Florida's hitters slugged a combined 110 home runs in 2026, marking the third consecutive season with 100 or more home runs, another first in program history.
Thomas has also played a key role in consistently bringing top talent to Gainesville. Florida's current freshman class – Shayla Bahr, Kennedy Bradley, Nina Carcone, Liliana Escobar, Brooklyn Gidley, Avery Killian and Caroline Stanton – was ranked No. 2 nationally by both Softball America and D1Softball.
The D1Softball National Assistant Coach of the Year, as well as the Pitching Coach of the Year, will be announced on August 31st.
FOLLOW THE GATORS
FloridaGators.com
Florida Softball on Twitter
Head Coach Tim Walton on Twitter
Florida Softball on Facebook
Thomas enters his 10th season with the Gators in 2027, leading the development of Florida's hitters and outfielders while spearheading recruiting efforts.
Florida's offense remained one of the nation's most dominant in 2026, setting single-season program records for batting average (.356), on-base percentage (.455), hits (618), doubles (120) and total bases (1,076).
The Gators also established a program record for power, with seven different players recording double-digit home runs for the first time in school history.
Florida's hitters slugged a combined 110 home runs in 2026, marking the third consecutive season with 100 or more home runs, another first in program history.
Thomas has also played a key role in consistently bringing top talent to Gainesville. Florida's current freshman class – Shayla Bahr, Kennedy Bradley, Nina Carcone, Liliana Escobar, Brooklyn Gidley, Avery Killian and Caroline Stanton – was ranked No. 2 nationally by both Softball America and D1Softball.
The D1Softball National Assistant Coach of the Year, as well as the Pitching Coach of the Year, will be announced on August 31st.
FOLLOW THE GATORS
FloridaGators.com
Florida Softball on Twitter
Head Coach Tim Walton on Twitter
Florida Softball on Facebook
Players Mentioned
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