RALEIGH, N.C. – One of college softball's legendary coaches is calling it a career.
After 25 years, Charlie Dobbins will step down as head coach of the William Peace softball program - a program he elevated to national status – at the end of the 2024 season.
The William Peace Department of Athletics will conduct a national search for a new head coach.
"Coach Dobbins is a pioneer," WPU Athletic Director Claude Shields said. "He has invested so much over the last 25 years building our softball program into what it is today. We are grateful for all he has done and the countless lives he has impacted over his time at WPU. While we are sad to see him go, we are excited to celebrate him and all he has accomplished."
Dobbins produced 13 winning teams and coached nearly 540 players who won conference, regional and national honors. His marvelous coaching career is defined not only by wins and losses, however.
His past and current players look at Dobbins as a father figure and mentor. His success has influenced and elevated the careers of numerous former players and assistants such as Head Coach Courtney Tucker at Salem College, Head Coach Paige Knussman at Marymount, and Assistant Coach Bethaney Wells at Division I Michigan State.
"Twenty-five years ago, I walked into Peace College and started what I thought would be a part-time gig," Dobbins said. "I never dreamed it would be 25 years, and most importantly, I never dreamed it would impact so many female athletes with their college softball dreams. After 25 years of countless memories and friendships and watching over 550 student-athletes graduate, it's time to let the next chapter begin."
The city of Raleigh leaders view Dobbins as more than a coach. To them, he is an ambassador who promotes the city through the William Peace Triangle Softball Classic. Dobbins, along with the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance, plays a key role in organizing and marketing the event.
The Classic, which started as a four-team event, grew to become the largest regular-season Division III softball tournament in the country. The 17-year event brings over 30 teams annually to Raleigh and its economic impact is over $1 million.
Dobbins played a big part in bringing the NCAA Division III Softball Tournament to Raleigh in 2005 and 2006, giving William Peace the distinction of being the only school in the state of North Carolina to host the NCAA national softball championship, regardless of division.
The Pacers coach was active in the community in other ways. For instance, the WPU softball program has developed a special relationship with the Miracle League of the Triangle, which was established in 2004 to create positive life experiences for children and adults with special needs and for their families through baseball and softball.
Every year since the organization's inception, the Pacers have volunteered at Miracle League games as mentors and "buddies" to the players. Just three weeks ago, the Miracle League players were invited to a Pacers softball game and ran out on the field with the starters when pre-game lineups were announced.
Giving back is at the heart of everything Dobbins does, even as a former player. For many years, he helped entertain fans as part of the world-famous King and His Court and King of Diamonds fast-pitch softball teams, which toured over 100 countries during a 65-year run. As catcher the last 10 years, Dobbins caught the last pitch in the final game ever played in 2011.
Since then, Dobbins has been giving back and making a positive impact on William Peace's campus, the community and the city. It is a mindset instilled in his student-athletes which stays with them long after they graduate.
"Coach Dobbins has given so much to the Raleigh community, the softball program and every player he has coached at Peace," Pacers senior shortstop Logan Ayers said. "He has and will continue to make an incredible impact on the softball program. He has helped me develop into the person and player I am today. I will always be grateful for all of the opportunities he has given me."
