Odicci Alexander Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

Former James Madison standout Odicci Alexander is joining the Howard Bison softball team’s coaching staff. Howard announced the hire on Monday.

“I am so excited to have Odicci join our Bison family. Who she is, and what she represents is much deeper than softball,” coach Tori Tyson said in a statement. “This a big deal for not just our team, but the entire DMV community, the MEAC and all HBCUs.”

Alexander rose to stardom as the Dukes' star pitcher. At James Madison, Alexander was a three-time All-American and two-time Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Year. She also was named Softball America Pitcher of the Year as well as CAA Pitcher of the Year in 2021.

Alexander became a household name for her defensive web gem during the 2021 College World Series. She stopped a sac bunt attempt before making a game-saving dive at home plate to get a key out in the Dukes’ 2-1 win against Oklahoma State.

With Alexander, James Madison became the first unseeded team to reach the Women’s College World Series semifinals.

In her five-year career at James Madison, Alexander posted a 81-18 record with a 2.18 ERA. She also had a .337 batting average with 39 home runs — the fourth most in JMU softball history.

Howard is looking to build off its historic season in 2022 in which the Bison won the MEAC tournament and earned a berth into the NCAA tournament.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Dodgers starter undergoes season-ending UCL surgery
Knicks star ruled out for potential closeout game
Veteran NFL safety will either play for this team or retire in 2024
Former Red Wings head coach linked to open NHL job
How Patriots' Drake Maye has already impressed Jacoby Brissett
LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry among Forbes' highest-paid athletes for 2024
Steve Cohen addresses if Mets could again be trade-deadline sellers
Tiger Woods ruins strong first round with sloppy finish at PGA Championship
Xander Schauffele makes history in first round of PGA Championship
NFL responds to speculation about Chiefs schedule and Taylor Swift
Despite hopes for change, NASCAR championship weekend will return to Phoenix in 2025
Chiefs will achieve something not done since 1927 with 2024 schedule
Caitlin Clark's debut was most-watched WNBA game in more than 20 years
Yankees' Aaron Judge comments on resurgence after bad slump
Odell Beckham Jr. reveals why he was 'hesitant' to join Dolphins
Lakers reportedly interested in adding three-time All-Star via trade
Luka Doncic fed off negative reactions in Game 5 win over Thunder
Celtics finally put away undermanned Cavaliers, advance to conference finals
Avalanche force Game 6 with big third period vs. Stars
MLB announces punishment for Astros' Ronel Blanco over foreign substance

Want more College Softball news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.