Alexis Silkwood was named the Union University softball assistant coach in August 2020. She begins her first year with the program.
Silkwood joined Union from the University of Louisville where she served two years as a graduate assistant. She earned a master's degree in sport administration from Louisville in 2020.
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.
