Josh Bumgarner was named Head Softball Coach at Lees-McRae College in August 2023 following a highly successful tenure at Catawba Valley Community College, where he launched the softball program as its first head coach.

In his first season leading the Bobcats, Bumgarner guided Lees-McRae to an 18-23 overall record and a 13-11 mark in Conference Carolinas play. Under his leadership, Lonna Addison earned First Team All-Conference Carolinas honors, while McKenzie Presson was recognized on the conference’s All-Defensive Team. Off the field, Hannah Foster, Presson, and Lauren Ritchie were named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District® NCAA Division II Women’s Softball Team for their achievements in both academics and athletics.

Before arriving at Lees-McRae, Bumgarner spent four seasons at Catawba Valley Community College, compiling a 115-40 overall record. In 2023, he led the Red Hawks to a 44-8 campaign, a Region X runner-up finish, and earned Region X Coach of the Year honors.

Prior to his collegiate coaching career, Bumgarner coached at East Alexander Middle School for six years and served as the inaugural head coach of the Taylorsville Post 170 American Legion Softball team in 2018. He also worked as an assistant softball coach at Alexander Central High School, helping guide the program to a state championship in 2018.

A graduate of Appalachian State University, Bumgarner earned a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in History and a minor in Sociology. In addition to coaching, he has also served as a teacher with Alexander County Schools.