CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois softball head coach Jenna Hall has expanded her coaching staff with the addition of Madi McCrady, who will serve as the program’s Director of Player Development. McCrady arrives in Champaign after spending the past two seasons working under Hall as an assistant coach at Ohio.
“Madi is a tremendous addition to our staff,” Hall said.
“Her passion for the game and outstanding character are evident from the moment you meet her. I’m excited to see the positive influence she’ll have on both our student-athletes and the overall program.”
Over her two years at Ohio, McCrady helped the Bobcats compile a 75-39 overall record. During that span, four players earned NFCA All-Region recognition, 16 student-athletes received Academic All-MAC honors, and the team established a new single-season home run record in 2026.
Before returning to Ohio as a coach, McCrady spent the 2024 season as an assistant coach at Capital University in Bexley, Ohio. There, she created individualized development plans aimed at improving pitching, hitting and defensive techniques, while also preparing scouting reports on opponents. She additionally played a key role in recruiting by organizing campus visits and evaluating prospective student-athletes.
“I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to join the Illinois softball program,” McCrady said.
“I’m eager to work alongside our student-athletes and coaching staff to help build upon the tradition of excellence that makes Illinois softball such a special program.”
McCrady also enjoyed a successful playing career at Ohio from 2018 to 2021. She appeared in 101 games in the circle, making 86 starts while recording 49 complete games and throwing 500 innings. A two-time Academic All-MAC honoree, she finished fourth in school history with 429 strikeouts and ranks fifth all-time in both victories (45) and starts (86).
She was also a member of Ohio’s 2018 Mid-American Conference regular-season and tournament championship team that advanced to the NCAA Knoxville Regional. In an elimination game against James Madison, McCrady started in the circle and delivered four scoreless innings to help the Bobcats earn a victory and move on to the regional final.
A native of Brimfield, Ohio, McCrady earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, a master’s degree in reading education and a minor in coaching from Ohio in 2021.
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