Former All-American Kayla Braud Joining Alabama Coaching Staff

Kayla Braud is leaving the broadcast booth to return to the dugout.

The former University of Alabama All-American outfielder is joining in the Crimson Tide coaching staff. Braud fills the spot left vacated by Alyson Habetz, who retired after 25 seasons as an assistant with Alabama. The move is expected to be officially announced this week. Head coach Patrick Murphy has informed his current players.

Braud has spent the last 10 seasons as an analyst for ESPN/SEC Network. She transitioned to television after a historic career on the diamond with the Crimson Tide.

As a junior in 2012, Braud helped Alabama become the first SEC program to capture the Women’s College World Series title. Braud, the 2010 SEC Freshman of the Year, ranks second in Alabama history in career batting average (.438), career hits (344) and stolen bases (182), third in career runs scored (271), fourth in career on-base percentage (.512) and at-bats (786)

The Eugene, Ore. native was the 2013 Senior CLASS Award winner, which honors the attributes of NCAA Division I senior athletes in four areas: community, classroom, character and competition.