1st Year at Illinois Central College
Alma Maters: Illinois Central College, University of Tennessee, Ohio University
Following her playing career at Illinois Central College (ICC) under Head Coach Heather Doty, Juell Hodges returns to the Cougar softball program as a member of Doty’s coaching staff. In addition to her day-to-day coaching responsibilities, Hodges is involved in player development and recruiting.
A Mokena, Illinois native, Hodges was a pitcher and infielder for ICC from 2013 and 2015. An All-Region 24 team member in 2015, she helped lead the Cougars to two NJCAA Division II National Tournament appearances, including a 4th-place finish as a freshman in 2014.
Following her time at ICC, Hodges continued her education at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, where she studied Sports Management and served as a student-manager for the Lady Vols program. She later earned her master’s degree in Coaching Education from Ohio University where she also served as an assistant coach for the Bobcats’ Division I softball program.
Hodges went on to become the 9th head coach in Eureka College softball history, leading the program from 2021 to 2025. She coached 11 players to All-Conference honors and brought in a record-breaking recruiting class in 2022 (26).
Outside of softball, Hodges works at Team Works by Holzhauer, Inc. and resides in Washington, Illinois with her dog, Tansy.
Updated 8/8/25
