IRVING, Texas - After more than seven years leading the program, Erik Grafton has stepped down as head coach of the UDallas baseball program to pursue a career outside of coaching.

Since arriving in August 2018, Grafton provided steady leadership and a lasting commitment to the development of Crusader student-athletes both on and off the field.
Beyond the field, Grafton made community involvement a cornerstone of the baseball program. Throughout his time at UDallas, he helped organize service opportunities with organizations such as Special Olympics, Miracle League, Catholic Charities, and Readers 2 Leaders, while also playing a key role in the annual Blue Christmas event alongside the Irving Police and Fire Departments.

We are incredibly grateful for the dedication, leadership, and commitment Coach Grafton gave to the UDallas baseball program and the many student-athletes he impacted throughout his time as a Crusader. His influence extended far beyond wins and losses, helping shape a culture centered around growth, accountability, academics, and service.

We thank Coach Grafton for the lasting foundation he has helped build within UDallas Baseball and wish him and his family nothing but the best as he begins this next chapter outside of coaching.

Career Recap
During his seven seasons leading the Crusaders, Grafton guided UDallas through several important moments in program history, including the program's best win total and winning percentage since 2013 during his first season in 2019. He led the Crusaders to their highest SCAC finish since 2016 in 2021, earned the ABCA Team Academic Excellence Award, coached multiple All-SCAC student-athletes, and guided the program to a 21-win season in 2024. Beyond the diamond, Grafton's commitment to community service helped connect UDallas Baseball with organizations and initiatives throughout the Irving and Dallas communities, leaving an impact that will continue to be felt by future generations of Crusaders.