From Humble Beginnings to National Acclaim
The story of the Triangle Collegiate Softball Classic — the largest NCAA softball single-weekend tournament in the United States.
- NCAA
- USA Softball
- NFCA
- City of Raleigh
From Humble Beginnings to National Acclaim:
The Story of the Triangle Collegiate Softball Classic
The Triangle Collegiate Softball Classic began in the spring of 2008 as a 4-team tournament hosted at the William Peace University (formerly Peace College) campus.
The inaugural teams included Peace College, Agnes Scott College from Atlanta, Sweet Briar College, and Mary Baldwin University from Virginia. In the opening tournament, Peace College secured victory against Agnes Scott in the finals. This simple, yet attractive start provided our launching pad for what has become an ever-growing journey of success.
From its initial success, the Triangle Collegiate Softball Classic has continually expanded, growing from eight to ten teams. For several years, the event was held in the town of Cary, before moving in 2018 to the renowned Walnut Creek Softball Complex in Raleigh, featuring nine fields. This growth has attracted participation from teams across a broad geographical range, including states such as Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Michigan, Iowa, Washington, Indiana, Louisiana, Kentucky, and North Carolina.
Today, the tournament boasts over 30 teams from across the nation. The format is a round robin, offering teams valuable competition opportunities ahead of their conference play. The event significantly impacts the greater Raleigh-Durham area's economy, coinciding with the ACC basketball tournament and March Madness. The early spring timing provides a welcome opportunity for northern teams to escape winter conditions for competitive play. Economic estimates suggest that the tournament generates between $750,000 and $1,000,000 in revenue for the local economy yearly, through hotels, restaurants, and entertainment.
As the largest NCAA softball single-weekend tournament in the United States, the Triangle Collegiate Softball Classic stands as a testament to the power of vision and dedication. Approaching our 18th year, we remain a cornerstone event in collegiate softball, celebrated for its unmatched competition and camaraderie.
The Triangle Collegiate Softball Foundation
To ensure the continued long-term success and growing impact of the Triangle Collegiate Softball Classic, the Triangle Collegiate Softball Foundation — a 501c3 public charity — now conducts the event. This foundation is dedicated to sustaining the tournament's legacy and expanding its reach and influence.
Through generous support and contributions, the Foundation aims to enhance opportunities for athletes and coaches and enrich the sporting culture nationwide. By fortifying the tournament's future, it guarantees that this pivotal event remains a vibrant fixture in collegiate softball for years to come.
The People Behind the Classic
Our team consists of highly qualified and motivated professionals, who are all experts in their field. With many years of experience, they have the expertise to ensure our mission.
Charlie Dobbins
The "Head Coach" & FounderCoach Dobbins recently retired from William Peace University after the 2024 season, after leading the program for 25 years. He will continue to run the Triangle Collegiate Softball Classic with the support of the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance, USA Softball, the NCAA, and the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. Coach Dobbins’ Softball Résumé and Timeline: 25 years — Head Softball Coach, William Peace University, Raleigh, North Carolina Member — NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) NCAA Division III Atlantic Region National Committee Member — 2011–2017 NCAA Division III Atlantic Region Softball Advisory Committee — 2009–2010 NCAA Division III Softball National Championships, Host Institution — 2005–2006 USA South Athletic Conference Softball Coaches’ Chairperson — 2003–2025 Triangle Collegiate Softball Classic NCAA Softball Tournament — 2007–2026 Head Coach — 2006 USA Softball Team competing in Spain and France Head Coach — UCBL Summer College Team, NC Racers — 2008–2012 Inducted into the North Carolina Softball Hall of Fame — 2019 USA Softball All-American Games Coach, Region 3 — 2023, 2024, 2025 National Training Center, Lead Softball Camp Instructor — 2026+ King and His Court Softball Team — 1998–2011
Alan Riggs
UIC — Umpire in ChiefCoordinator of Umpires - ODAC, Assistant to the Coordinator of Umpires – CAA, SoCon, Atlantic10, Sunbelt, ASUN, OVC, SAC, Conf Carolinas, USA South, CCS. 2018 NCAA D3 Championship Umpire, USA Softball of the Carolinas UIC. USA Softball of North Carolina Hall of Honor 2023, USA Softball Elite Umpire. Father of 10 Children (Blended Family), 7 Grandkids, Triangle resident since birth. Owner/CEO – 20-20 Officials, LLC Umpire Training Academy, UIC.
Jill Smedley
Tournament Director — Media CoordinatorProgram & Operations Coordinator, USA Baseball National Training Complex · 2022-2024. Tournament Director, Triangle Classic - NCAA D3 Softball · 2017–2024. Panther Creek High School Head Softball Coach · 2012-2023. Lead Softball Instructor, USA Baseball National Training Complex & Thomas Brooks Park · 2014-2024.
Be part of the 18th Annual
Triangle Collegiate Softball Classic
Whether you're bringing a team, sponsoring the event, or cheering from the stands — there's a place for you at the largest single-weekend NCAA softball tournament in the country.