NEW YORK — The Longhorns baseball community is mourning the sudden and devastating loss of Coach Erik Paulsen Sr., a revered figure whose passion for the game and dedication to youth development shaped the lives of countless young athletes and their families.
The news came early this morning, shaking the hearts of those who knew him not only as a coach, but as a mentor, a role model, and a pillar of integrity. For many, including the family of one former Team Steel player, Erik’s influence went far beyond the diamond.
“I’ll never forget the first time I saw him coach,” one parent shared, recalling a decisive Longhorns victory years ago. “While some were rattled by his intensity, I was in awe. There was something about the way his team played—disciplined, focused, precise. I knew right away I wanted my son to be part of what he was building.”
That son, Matthew, went on to train under Erik’s watchful eye—growing into not just a better baseball player, but a more responsible and mature young man. Erik’s coaching philosophy extended beyond mechanics. He demanded respect for the game, mental toughness, and personal accountability.
“He didn’t just teach baseball,” the parent continued. “He taught our boys how to carry themselves—with pride, with grit, with discipline. He had standards. You carried your own bag. You respected the dugout. You wore the pitch. And above all else, you played flawless defense.”
Erik’s legacy lived on as younger siblings like Benjamin followed in their brother’s footsteps, eager to learn from the man who had become a cornerstone of their family’s baseball journey. His training sessions were structured, demanding, and purposeful. And though his praise was often quiet, it was deeply felt.
Now, the Longhorns community finds itself grieving the void left by a man whose voice once echoed through ballparks, shaping futures and setting expectations.
“What weighs heavy today is that I never told him what he meant to us,” the parent said through tears. “He changed how we look at the game—and how our boys will carry themselves in life. His lessons will stay with them forever.”
As tributes pour in from players, parents, and fellow coaches across the region, one thing is painfully clear: Erik Paulsen Sr. made a difference. Not just in stats or wins, but in character, resilience, and the way young people grow.
To the Paulsen family, and to every family touched by Coach Erik’s unwavering commitment, the community extends its deepest sympathies.
Rest easy, Coach. Your impact endures
