Lisa Hayden has been elevated to associate head coach in the Illinois State women’s basketball program, it was announced Monday by head coach Barb Smith. Hayden is entering her fourth season coaching the up-and-coming Redbird program.
“I am so happy to promote Lisa Hayden to Associate Head Coach,” Smith said. “She has been instrumental in the growth and development of our student-athletes on and off the court because she is a tireless worker and a team player. Lisa is a servant leader, who would do anything for anyone, and who has taken on a lot of different roles within our program. She has earned the respect of those that know her on campus, in the community and in the coaching profession. We are fortunate to have her in our program.”
Hayden joined the women’s basketball staff in May 2013, as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. She has spent 15 years in Division I women’s basketball and has brought a vast knowledge to the Redbird program. Hayden has worked with the guards the last two seasons, with an emphasis to improve consistency on the offensive end of the floor and maintain a defensive presence while focusing the student-athletes on attention to detail, which has helped skill and efficiency on the court.
“I appreciate Coach Smith’s confidence and trust in my ability to bring value to her Redbird program,” Hayden said. “Working with the Illinois State student-athletes has been a rewarding part of my coaching career.”
Prior to ISU, Hayden spent 12 years in various roles at Miami (Ohio), from assistant coach to recruiting coordinator to associate head coach. She coached three of Miami’s all-time scoring leaders, 21 All-Mid-American Conference (MAC) honorees and three WBCA All-Region nominees. While at Miami, the RedHawks won three MAC Championships and made four postseason appearances.
At Miami, Hayden worked with other coaches to develop the team’s offensive and defensive philosophies and implemented fundamentals to execute the philosophies each season. Hayden also scouted opponents and helped with game strategies while working with point and off-guards. As the recruiting coordinator for the RedHawks, Hayden coordinated all phases of the recruiting process. She also worked with the student-athletes and their academic progress, coordinated all aspects of team travel and promoted alumni relations.
Before her stint at Miami, Hayden spent four years at Mt. Notre Dame High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, as an assistant athletic director and was an assistant girls’ basketball coach for two years, before becoming the head coach for two years.
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