Denton Bowling Named Head Softball Coach

Decatur, AL - Director of Athletics, AJ Daugherty has announced the hiring of Denton Bowling as Calhoun's new Head Softball Coach, effective immediately. Bowling takes over the Warhawk program and will begin recruiting efforts right away as he prepares for the upcoming season. Bowling will hit the ground running by leading Calhoun's softball prospect camps on July 14 and 15, where he'll begin evaluating talent and engaging with prospective student-athletes, families, and the local community. 

Bowling arrives at Calhoun with an accomplished coaching background and a reputation for building high-performing teams rooted in discipline, accountability, and player development. Most recently, he served as the Head Softball Coach at Hatton High School, where he compiled an impressive 242-132 record over seven seasons. His Hatton teams captured the 2A State Championship in 2017 and again in 2023, with a runner-up finish in 2019. Under his leadership, the program secured multiple area and regional titles, set a school record for wins in 2018 (49), and was ranked #1 in the state during the 2020 season before it was cut short by COVID-19. In 2023, Bowling was named the ASWA Coach of the Year and served four years on the AHSAA Softball Committee.

Before Hatton, Bowling served as the Head Softball Coach at Northridge High School in Tuscaloosa, where he helped turn around the program, earning the school's first winning season and first regional appearance. His 2012 squad set a school record for wins (39) and captured the Tuscaloosa County Championship. Across both high school programs, he coached more than 20 players who went on to sign college softball scholarships.

In addition to his softball success, Bowling brings over two decades of multi-sport coaching experience, including time as a head coach in football, baseball, wrestling, and bowling. As Hatton High School's head football coach, he led the program to five consecutive playoff appearances and guided it through a successful reclassification transition from 2A to 4A. He has also served as a strength and conditioning coach, assistant principal, and classroom teacher, demonstrating a commitment to the total development of student-athletes.

A native of Moulton, AL, Bowling earned both his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Education from the University of Alabama, with additional certification in Educational Leadership. He resides in Moulton with his family.

"Our goal was to find a proven winner - someone with championship experience and strong ties to our state, particularly North Alabama," said AJ Daugherty, Director of Athletics. "His leadership experience, championship success, and passion for building a competitive and accountable culture made him the right choice. I am proud and excited to introduce Denton Bowling as the next Head Softball Coach at Calhoun Community College."

"Calhoun Community College is proud to welcome Coach Denton Bowling as our new head softball coach," said Dr. Jimmy Hodges, Calhoun President. "His track record of excellence, both on the field and in the classroom, aligns perfectly with our vision for the future of Calhoun Softball."

Bowling shared his enthusiasm about joining the program. "I am honored, grateful, and elated for the opportunity to lead the Calhoun Softball Program," he said. "Mr. Daugherty and Dr. Hodges have laid out an exceptional plan to take this program to the next level. We will align the goals of the program with their plan through a process that will yield positive results for the student-athletes, the softball program, the college, and the community. My family and I look forward to beginning this next chapter with dedication and enthusiasm."

To register for Calhoun Softball Camps, visit https://www.calhouncamps.com/.