PEORIA, Ill. -- No stranger to the Missouri Valley Conference, former Illinois State standout Jhavon Hamilton will make her return to the league with Friday's announcement by Bradley Softball head coach Amy Hayes that Hamilton has been named assistant coach for the Braves.
Hamilton, who will work with the Bradley outfielders in addition to coordinating team travel and equipment, comes to The Hilltop after spending the previous season as an assistant coach at Millikin University. While at Millikin, she handled team travel and oversaw the recruiting efforts for the Big Blue in addition to her on-field responsibilities.
“I feel very fortunate to find such a quality young woman and coach in Jhavon,” stated Hayes. “She was a powerful player during her time in the Valley and will bring more individual focus to our baserunning, slappers and outfield. She has made great strides in her brief coaching career and I certainly look forward to her energy and perspective on the field every day. I always want to surround myself with coaches who can bring another edge to our program and Jhavon brings that with her competitiveness, her drive to develop student-athletes and her infectious personality. She will be a strong asset to our staff and will continue to move our program onward and upward.”
A 2014 Illinois State graduate with a bachelor of science in psychology and kinesiology, Hamilton served as a student assistant coach for the Redbirds in 2014 after completing her collegiate playing career in 2013. She has also served as an instructor at the Bulls/Sox Academy and was an assistant coach for the Illinois Hawks for three years.
During her career at Illinois State, Hamilton was a two-time NFCA All-Mideast Region selection and four-time All-MVC performer. The Joliet, Ill., native helped the Redbirds to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, the 2011 MVC regular-season title and four straight top-three regular-season conference finishes.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for Jhavon,” said Illinois State head coach Melinda Fischer. “She was very instrumental in our program's success during her career and it is so great to see her continue on in a coaching role. She has tremendous passion and respect for the game and will be a great addition to the Bradley staff.”
Hamilton led the MVC with a .462 average in conference play as a junior in 2012 and wrapped up her career in the top five all-time at Illinois State in career hits, runs, home runs, RBI, walks and stolen bases. She drew a school-record 42 walks her senior year to rank in the top 10 in the nation in walks per game.
“Jhavon is a quality coach and was a valuable part of our softball staff last season,” said Millikin Director of Athletics Dr. Craig White. “I believe that Bradley has made a very wise hire in selecting Jhavon as a member of your staff and mentor for your softball student-athletes.”
In addition to the hiring of Hamilton, Hayes also announced third-year assistant coach Benet Higgs will take over as the team's hitting coach and recruiting coordinator. The Braves have tied a school record with 15 conference victories in each of her first two seasons on The Hilltop in addition to advancing to the 2014 NCAA Tournament.
“Benet has a strong knowledge of our offensive philosophy as well as our mechanics,” Hayes said. “She is a tremendous student of the game and has a good eye for improving hitters. Her ability to move up within our program should help provide a more stable environment during our coaching transition as well as keep propelling us forward. She will also assume the role of recruiting coordinator and continue to work with catchers while assisting with the infield.”
