Hernandez enters her first year on the UIC softball staff as an assistant coach in the fall of 2025 after spending the last nine seasons at Transylvania University in Lexington, Ky., as the assistant softball coach. While with the Pioneers, Hernandez helped lead the team to a 296-95 record, six NCAA regional appearances, and one super regional appearance.
"Natalie represents everything it means to be a Flame: a fierce competitor, a relentless worker, and a proud UIC alum," said head coach
Megan Coronado. "Her experience as a pro, her success as a coach, and her deep ties to this program will help us reignite UIC softball with pride and purpose. We are lucky to have her and bring her back home."
No stranger to UIC, Hernandez played for the Flames as a four-year letterwinner from 2011-2014. During her four-year playing career, Hernandez earned All-League Newcomer, Horizon League All-Tournament team, Horizon League Preseason Second Team, All-Horizon League First Team, and NFCA All-Great Lakes Region Third Team honors.
The California native finished her career for the Flames with 582 at-bats, 109 runs, 201 hits, 24 home runs, 106 RBIs, a .543 SLG%, and 29 stolen bases. After her time with the Flames, Hernandez spent five summers as a professional in the National Pro Fastpitch league with the Chicago Bandits before retiring in 2018.
