Following the conclusion of her first year as a volunteer assistant of the App State softball program, Nicole Bowman has been promoted to assistant coach, responsible for coaching outfielders and hitters while assisting with recruiting.

“I am very excited to be back working alongside Coach Hoerner and the staff,” Bowman said. “The opportunity to work in Boone at such an established university is truly an honor. I’m looking forward to continuing to build on our successes from last year with this team. I can’t thank our athletic director, Doug Gillin, and Coach Hoerner enough for this opportunity. Go, Mountaineers!”

In Bowman’s first season under head coach Shelly Hoerner, App State collected its first ranked win in program history against No. 23 Louisiana while compiling a 23-28 overall record. Hoerner completed her sixth season at App State and increased her career win total to 678.

“I am thrilled and thankful to have Nicole promoted to a full-time assistant for our program,” Hoerner said. “The investment that Doug Gillin is putting into softball here at App State is greatly appreciated. Nicole brought so much to our team last season as our volunteer assistant. She loves to teach the game and has a great rapport with our players. Nicole will continue to work with our outfield and hitters on the field, in-game and practice management, and video analysis. Along with recruiting top-caliber student-athletes to elevate our program, Nicole will be a significant asset in the office. She will be in charge of managing gear and apparel, alumni communication and other events, social media management, and camp coordination.”

Bowman joined the staff at App State following a collegiate career at UNC Charlotte and Rutgers University.

She finished her playing career at nearby UNC Charlotte, starting in 47 games during her senior season. The former 49er recorded a .321 batting average, picking up 42 hits and 28 runs scored. She also registered 20 RBIs with five home runs en route to Second-Team Conference USA honors.

Bowman was with the Scarlet Knights for the first three years of her playing career as she started 140 of the 145 games she appeared in. The Illinois native tallied 111 hits to go along with 79 RBIs and 52 runs scored.

She is a graduate of Downers Grove South High School where she helped lead the Mustangs to four consecutive West Suburban Gold Conference championships, also garnering all-state honors.