Illinois State University has completed its softball coaching staff for the 2025-26 season with the addition of Jhavon Hayes and Alexis Rudd. Head coach Tina Kramos announced the hires, which follow the July appointment of Brandon Duncan.
“We are excited to have Jhavon and Alexis join our Redbird Softball coaching staff,” Kramos said. “It’s a homecoming for Jhavon, who was a standout student-athlete for us from 2009-13, and we could not be more excited to have her back with her years of coaching experience at the collegiate, high school and travel levels. Alexis knows what it takes to win in the MVC, having won three championships at Southern Illinois as a player, and we look forward to watching her grow in her first collegiate coaching role. With Jhavon and Alexis joining Brandon (Duncan), I think we have an extremely talented and passionate staff that will develop our student-athletes into the players they are meant to become.”
Hayes returns to Illinois State after playing for the Redbirds from 2009 to 2013. During her time as a student-athlete, she earned four Missouri Valley Conference all-conference selections and was twice named to the NFCA All-Mideast Region Team. She ranks among ISU’s top five all-time in several statistical categories, including career runs scored, hits, stolen bases, home runs, walks, and RBIs.
After completing her playing career, Hayes served as a student assistant coach under Melinda Fischer and current head coach Tina Kramos at Illinois State. Her coaching experience includes positions at Bradley University, Millikin University, Princeton High School—where she spent three seasons—and eight years coaching with Peoria Sluggers Fastpitch.
“Returning to Illinois State as a coach feels like I’m coming back home,” Hayes said. “It was an honor to have played for Tina and Melinda as a Redbird, but returning to the program as a coach is a special, full-circle moment. I’m beyond excited for the opportunity to coach this next generation of Redbird softball.”
Rudd comes to Illinois State after graduating from Southern Illinois in spring 2025. She played on three Missouri Valley Conference championship teams for the Salukis as both a designated player and pitcher. In high school at Center Grove, Rudd received ICGSA Class 3A/4A All-State Second Team honors and contributed to her school’s first state title since 2015.
“I am very excited to join the Illinois State Softball program,” Rudd said. “This program has a very rich history and culture, that I am honored to be a part of. I am looking forward to working with the athletes and to continue the success of Redbird Softball.”
For more information about tickets or updates on Illinois State athletics programs including softball, fans can visit GoRedbirds.com or use the official Illinois State Redbirds App.
