JACKSON, Tenn. – Union University softball head coach Mackenzie Sher has named Alexis Silkwood as the new assistant coach for the program.

According to a press release from Steven Aldridge – Assistant Director of Athletics for Sports Communication – Silkwood comes to Union after spending the last two seasons as a graduate assistant coach for the University of Louisville softball team. She earned a master’s degree in sports administration from Louisville in 2020.

Coach Sher said, “I am so excited about the newest addition to our staff! Alexis Silkwood brings so much to the table! Her energy and willingness to serve are amazing. Even though her love and hunger for the game are clear, her passion for loving and serving others is what I am most excited about. She serves as a great example of what our University and program stand for. I cannot wait for our girls to experience her guidance in all aspects of their journey while at Union.”

Silkwood said, “I want to thank Coach Sher, Mr. Sadler, and President Oliver for allowing me the opportunity to join the Union family. I could not be here today without the help of my mom, family and friends, my mentor coaches, and most importantly God. I cannot wait to be able to share my knowledge and passion for the game with these young ladies while also growing in our relationships with God. I am so excited to start my coaching journey with great staff and an amazing University like Union!”

Before starting her coaching career, Silkwood played three years of professional softball. The National Pro FastPitch (NPF) League’s Akron Racers drafted Silkwood in the fifth round, 24th overall pick in the 2017 draft. In her one season with Akron, she led the Racers with 23 appearances. In her 52 innings of work, she posted an ERA of 2.96 while striking out 31 hitters. Her team advanced to the NPF semifinals. Silkwood then played two years for the Scrap yar Fast Pitch League. She traveled to multiple venues across the country taking softball to the fans, including playing in the International Cup in Irvine, Calif.

Silkwood played four seasons of softball (2014-17) in the SEC at Mississippi State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education with a minor in history in 2018. She was twice named National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-Region. While in Starkville, she helped lead her team to three appearances in the NCAA Regionals. She set school records for career wins (59), strikeouts (555), innings pitched (665.0), complete games (50), and appearances (145). She is also tied for first at MSU with 26 wins in a season. Silkwood was named to the SEC All-Freshman team and earned five SEC weekly honors, which is the most in MSU softball history.

Silkwood is a native of East Alton, Ill. and played her high school softball at Marquette Catholic. She left as with the Illinois state record of 124 wins, 100 shutouts, 54 no-hitters, and 1,907 strikeouts. Her teams posted three state semifinal appearances, including a runner-up finish in 2013. She posted 15 no-hitters during her senior year. She also played travel softball with the Midland Magic. In addition to a record-setting softball career, Silkwood played four years of tennis in high school. As a senior in 2012, she advanced to the state playoffs in doubles. Silkwood’s high school #8 was retired in 2015.

She is the daughter of Staci and Boyd Nelson.

(PHOTO: Alexis Silkwood – courtesy Steven Aldridge – Assistant Director of Athletics
for Sports Communication – Union University)