JaVon Shelby joins the Midway University Baseball coaching staff bringing elite playing experience and a strong background in player development. A Lexington native, Shelby was a standout athlete at Tates Creek High School before continuing at the University of Kentucky, where he became one the SEC’s premier infielders.
A standout infielder at the University of Kentucky, Shelby was a key contributor for the Wildcats from 2014–2016. During his career in Lexington, he earned ALL SEC freshman team & First-Team All-SEC honors and was recognized as one of the conference’s top power hitters, finishing his sophomore season with a .312 batting average, 9 home runs, and 44 RBI. Known for his athleticism and leadership, Shelby helped elevate Kentucky’s infield defense and offensive production throughout his three-year career.
Following his collegiate success, Shelby was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the 5th round of the 2016 MLB Draft. He went on to compete in the A’s minor league system, gaining valuable experience across multiple levels and developing a reputation for his versatility and baseball IQ.
Shelby comes from a strong baseball lineage — his father, John Shelby, is a former Major League Baseball player and coach along with two of his brothers John T & Jaren Shelby who also played at Kentucky— and he continues that family tradition through his dedication to player development and mentorship.
As a coach, JaVon focuses on infield and outfield play, offensive approach, and mental preparation, emphasizing a detailed, disciplined mindset on and off the field. His goal is to help student-athletes reach their full potential by combining elite fundamentals with a professional work ethic.
At Midway, Shelby plays a key role in developing the infield and outfield  unit, overseeing offensive strategy, and mentoring student-athletes on both their physical and mental approach to the game. His coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, confidence, and consistency—traits he believes are essential for success on and off the field.
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