Jeff Mayes joined the Valpo coaching staff prior to the 2023 season. He serves as the team's infield coach. 

Mayes’ first season on staff in 2023 saw the program post its first 20-win season since 2017 and its highest overall win total, MVC win total (10), overall winning percentage (.426) and MVC winning percentage (.370) since joining The Valley prior to the 2018 campaign. The offense, led by All-Missouri Valley Conference First Team performer Ryan Maka, finished the year with a .386 team on-base percentage, the program’s best since 2001 and tied for the fifth best in program history. The Beacons finished with an even 50 home runs for the season, also their highest total since 2001 and the fifth highest total in program history. Valpo finished the season with a fielding percentage of .973, tying a program record that was set in 2018.

Mayes spent the previous three seasons on the coaching staff at Aurora University, a Division-III institution in Illinois, where the program amassed an 83-21 record during his tenure. At Aurora, Mayes’ duties included recruiting, defense and pitch development. The Spartans were among the Top 15 in Division-III in team fielding percentage and defensive doubles plays in two of the three seasons with Mayes instructing the infielders.

Prior to joining the Aurora coaching staff in fall 2019, Mayes had a standout playing career as a shortstop for the Spartans. He was tabbed the school’s 2018-2019 Male Athlete of the Year and earned CoSIDA Academic All-American honors as a senior to go along with first team all-conference recognition. He shattered the program record for career hits with 240 and batted .402 as a senior with 40 runs scored and 31 runs batted in.

Mayes also received the Richard Rickey Award given to a senior male student-athlete who exemplifies the characteristics of dedication, determination, sportsmanship and faith. He was a three-year captain and led the program to a 115-61 record and two conference tournament titles during his four-year playing career.