Jhavon Hayes is in her first season with the Redbird coaching staff, but is no stranger to the program as a former standout student-athlete and GA coach for the Redbirds.

A standout softball player at Illinois State from 2009 to 2013, Hayes had an exceptional collegiate career earning four MVC all-conference selections and while twice being named to the NFCA All-Mideast Region Team. She finished her career ranked in the top five all-time in ISU program history for career runs scored (150), hits (206), stolen bases (32), home runs (28), walks (84), and RBIs (117).

Following her playing career, Hayes served as a student assistant coach at Illinois State under legendary head coach Melinda Fischer and current ISU head coach Tina Kramos, gaining valuable experience and insight into high-level program operations. Her coaching journey has also taken her to Bradley, Millikin University, and most recently to Princeton High School, where she has coached for the past three seasons and played a key role in player development and team culture. She has also been deeply involved in travel ball as a coach with the Peoria Sluggers Fastpitch organization over the past eight seasons.

Off the field, Hayes is married to Jackson Hayes and is the proud mother of two children, BJ and Kortlyn.