Softball Adds Rhodes to Coaching Staff

SHAWNEE – Oklahoma Baptist softball announced the hiring of assistant coach Jade Rhodes Friday afternoon.
 
Rhodes had an illustrious four-year career Auburn, where she played in two Women's College World Series, helped the Tigers claim two SEC Championships and earned WCWS All-Tournament Team honors in 2016.
 
She finished her collegiate career with a .276 batting average, 46 home runs, 179 runs batted in and holds the Auburn single-season record after belting 19 home runs in 2015. The first baseman was named to the SEC All-Defensive Team her senior year, was an All-SEC Second Team selection in 2015 and 2016 and earned NCFA Third Team All-America honors as a senior at Auburn.
 
The collegiate standout is currently a member of the Cleveland Comets in the National Pro Fastpitch League. Rhodes ranks in the top-10 in the league this season in hits (31), batting average (.320), on-base percentage (.400) and doubles (6).
 
She was the assistant coach at Eastern New Mexico in 2018 prior to joining the Lady Bison staff and brings her passion for the sport to Bison Hill.
 
"I love coaching kids and hearing about their success in their games as well as going to watch their success in person," said Rhodes.
 
A longtime teammate of first-year OBU Head Coach Sam Messer, Rhodes hails from Sarasota, Florida, and was a member of club and high school teams with Messer.
 
"I couldn't be more excited to have someone like her on staff. I'm excited to have her work with the hitters and the infielders here at OBU," said Messer. "[Rhodes] brings a ton to the table as a mentor and as a coach. She will play a large role in helping shape the direction of the program as we enter a new era for Lady Bison softball."
 
Rhodes is the daughter of former Major League Baseball player Arthur Rhodes, who played 21 seasons and won a World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011. She enjoys playing softball, lifting weights and spending time with her family and dog. Rhodes earned her bachelor's degree in public relations at Auburn and attends Church of Highlands.