Odicci Alexander is taking her talents to the coaching ranks, joining Howard University softball as the newest assistant coach for the Bison.
The former James Madison standout rose to fame during the 2021 Women’s College World Series as she led the unranked Dukes to the semifinals. She is currently in the midst of her second season with Athletes Unlimited.
“I am so excited to have Odicci join our Bison family. Who she is, and what she represents is much deeper than softball,” Howard coach Tori Tyson said. “This a big deal for not just our team, but the entire DMV community, the MEAC and all HBCUs.
“Odicci will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our program. I can’t wait for our athletes to learn from her. She has a real passion for developing pitchers and sharing the game and our bullpen and entire team and staff will benefit greatly from having her in our dugout.”
A native of Virginia, the pitcher finished the 2021 NCAA season with an 18-3 record in the circle. Alexander also posted a career .337 batting average and a total of 39 home runs – the fourth-most in program history.
Alexander’s most memorable moment as a Duke, though, came on defense. A diving play at home plate — which saw her charge a bunt, scoop it out of the air and lay out to tag a base runner — helped send JMU to the WCWS semifinals and earned a spot on ESPN’s “SportsCenter” Top 10.
One year ago today, Odicci Alexander made one of the best individual plays in the history of JMU sports. pic.twitter.com/cjwf9Mww2O
— JMU Sports News (@JMUSportsNews) June 4, 2022
Drafted by the USSSA Pride, she later opted to play for Athletes Unlimited. She also served as a volunteer assistant coach for the University of North Carolina in 2022.
“I am super excited and grateful for this opportunity, and to be a part of this Howard community with Coach Tyson. I am extremely thankful for the opportunities this sport has brought me,” Alexander said. “I can’t wait to be on campus with the girls and get to work.”
Alexander will join the team in September after playing professionally in Japan.