Former University of South Florida pitcher Keith Strickland joined Russ McNickle's Saint Leo Baseball staff in 2009 as he begins his third season overseeing the development of the Lions' pitchers.

Elevated from his previous volunteer role within the program, Strickland has a long and developed history with Coach McNickle and Saint Leo University. After graduating from high school, he spent five years as a pitcher for the University of South Florida where he pitched under McNickle guise for two seasons.

Strickland, a left-handed hurler, finished his career at USF where he notched 67 relief appearances which ranks him eighth all-time in school history. During his five-year stint with the Bulls, the Brooklyn, NY native compiled a 7-2 overall record and was a team captain his senior year.

Leaving college in 2002, Strickland would spend the next four years playing in the minor leagues before retiring from baseball in 2005 as a member of the Ohio Valley Redcoats in the Frontier League.

Intermixed in his minor league career, Strickland was trying on his coaching hat for the first time as he was named to the coaching staff at Tampa Catholic High School under the Crusaders' Head Coach Tom Reidy, who also played for Russ McNickle during his career. During his four-year stint on the TC staff, Strickland helped send nine pitchers into the college ranks and saw one pitcher get drafted.

His other tie to Saint Leo is through his younger brother, Ryan, who played for SLU in 2002-03.

Keith Strickland currently resides in Lutz, Fla.