Calhoun Athletics Announces Denton Bowling, Two-Time State Champion and 2023 Aswa Coach of the Year, as Its New Head Softball Coach

Decatur, AL — The Calhoun Community College Athletics Division is proud to announce Denton Bowling as its new Head Softball Coach.
 
Bowling joins Calhoun with a distinguished coaching résumé and a reputation for building high-performing teams grounded in discipline, accountability, and player development. Most recently, he served as Head Softball Coach at Hatton High School, where he compiled an impressive 242–132 record over seven seasons. A two-time state champion and the 2023 ASWA Coach of the Year, Bowling led his teams to 2A State Championship titles in 2017 and 2023 and earned a runner-up finish in 2019. Under his leadership, Hatton secured multiple area and regional titles, set a school-record 49 wins in 2018, and was ranked No. 1 in the state during the 2020 season, which was cut short due to COVID-19. He also served four years on the AHSAA Softball Committee.
 
Prior to his time at Hatton, Bowling revitalized the softball program at Northridge High School in Tuscaloosa, leading the team to its first winning season and first regional appearance. His 2012 squad set a school record with 39 wins and captured the Tuscaloosa County Championship. Across both programs, he coached more than 20 athletes who went on to earn college softball scholarships.
 
In addition to his softball achievements, Bowling brings over two decades of multi-sport coaching experience. He has served as head coach in football, baseball, wrestling, and bowling. As Hatton’s head football coach, he led the program to five straight playoff appearances and successfully guided it through a transition from 2A to 4A classification. He has also served as a strength and conditioning coach, assistant principal, and classroom teacher. His career reflects a deep commitment to the holistic development of student-athletes.
 
A native of Moulton, Alabama, Bowling earned both his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Education from the University of Alabama. He also holds certification in Educational Leadership. He currently 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, 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,” added 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 elevate this program. We will align our goals with that vision through a process that yields positive results for our student-athletes, the program, the college, and the community. My family and I look forward to beginning this next chapter with dedication and enthusiasm.”
 
To learn more about Calhoun’s softball program, visit www.calhounathletics.com/sports/sball.  
 
All media inquiries should contact Calhoun’s Public Relations team at 256-306-2560 or 256-306-2965.