Pat Bowlin, the head softball coach at Cotter High School in Winona, Minnesota, has made history by becoming the state’s all-time winningest softball coach. In the season opener, Bowlin achieved this milestone with a record-breaking 803 wins in his 40th year of coaching.
For Bowlin, this achievement holds great significance not only for himself but also for his family, school, and current and former players. Senior starting pitcher Madison Hazelton expressed her admiration for Bowlin, stating that she played not just for her team but for him, emphasizing the importance of making this milestone happen in their first game.
Bowlin’s coaching career began in the 1980s at St. Bernard’s in St. Paul, where he had a dominant run before moving to Cotter High School. In addition to coaching softball, Bowlin also serves as the head girls’ basketball coach and has previously held positions as the athletic director and head football coach at Cotter.
Despite the changes in the coaching profession over the years, Bowlin remains dedicated to his role, emphasizing the importance of parental involvement and his love for coaching young people. At 64 years old, Bowlin shows no signs of slowing down, expressing his intention to continue coaching as long as his health allows.
With a deep passion for sports and coaching, Bowlin credits his success to God and feels incredibly blessed in his life. As he looks towards the future, Bowlin’s dedication to coaching and shaping the lives of young athletes remains unwavering.