Erickson Nominated for NABC Good Works Team
Dec 3, 2014 | Men's Basketball
OMAHA, Neb. -- Junior guard Kyler Erickson has been selected as a nominee for the 2015 Allstate NABC Good Works Team, it was announced Wednesday.
The Allstate NABC and WBCA Good Works Teams recognize a distinguished group of student-athletes who have demonstrated a commitment to enriching the lives of others and contributing to the greater good in their communities. Erickson is one of 158 NABC nominees, and the final NABC Good Works Team comprising student-athletes from NCAA Divisions I, II and III and the NAIA will be unveiled in February.
Erickson, a Millard South product who is double majoring in business and Spanish, began his collegiate career with two seasons at Northwest Missouri State before transferring to Omaha in 2013-14. He sat out last season in accordance with NCAA transfer rules and has appeared in five games for the Mavericks in 2014-15.
As a senior in high school, Erickson witnessed a shooting in his school's administration office. Nearly a year and a half later, he suffered the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and has since become a vocal advocate encouraging others to seek assistance for mental health issues. Erickson runs a website, KylerErickson.com, that details his story, and his videos have garnered widespread attention with over 25,000 views in 13 countries. Erickson's message of "turning tragedy into testimony" encourages people in all walks of life to confront mental health challenges they may be facing.
Erickson has spoken at various churches, high school student council and leadership group meetings and a National Allegiance on Mental Illness gathering. He has also volunteered at Mary Our Queen School's annual Mustang March and worked with children in an orphanage in Ensenada, Mexico in 2013.
"Kyler is a very valuable member of our basketball program,” head coach Derrin Hansen said. “Not only is he a good basketball player, but at the end of the day he is also a tremendous person. He contributes locally in our Omaha community and also regionally, nationally and internationally to assist people and spread a message of inspiration and hope. We are incredibly proud of Kyler's commitment to service and his selfless encouragement of others."
