Janel Hayes - Softball Coach - University of Akron Athletics

Janel Hayes

Title:
Assistant Coach
Email:
jhayes1@uakron.edu
Phone:
(330) 972-5056

Hayes, a former Mid-American Conference student-athlete at Kent State, is in her second season at Akron in 2021 after joining the Zips' staff after spending two seasons at Bluffton University (2018-19).

"Coach Hayes comes to the program with excellent playing experience and success she had during her college years in the MAC. She will be developing our pitching staff to work together as a unit and reach new goals," stated Pettipiece. "After coaching Janel and seeing her grow as a coach at Bluffton, I cannot wait to work with her at this next level."

With the Beavers program, Hayes assisted the head coach in all phases of the program while specializing her work with the pitchers and catchers. When not working with the student-athletes, Hayes worked in creating practice plans, game planning, recruitment, and developing strength and conditioning programs for the team.

At Kent State, Hayes was a four-year letterwinner and three-time Academic All-MAC selection with the Golden Flashes.

In her junior and senior seasons combined, Hayes made 54 appearances and 41 starts inside the circle for Kent State. In 2017, threw 106.1 innings, struck out 46 batters, and walked just 13. Hayes recorded a three inning save against Northern Illinois to send the Golden Flashes to the MAC Tournament Championship round in which KSU claimed the 2017 tournament title. Hayes and Kent State competed in the NCAA Regional round of the College World Series.

During her junior season, Hayes recorded career-highs in appearances (28), starts (24), complete games (12), strikeouts (59), and innings (144.1). Hayes went on to tally a 12-12 record on the rubber.

2-10-21