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" & FounderThe Triangle Collegiate Softball Classic, formerly the Grand Slam Triangle Classic, is an annual NCAA Division III Softball Tournament in Raleigh NC. 30 plus teams come to Raleigh in early March for 3 days of great competition and warm weather. The dates for 2025 are March 7-9, and presently 34 teams signed up to compete. This will be the 18th year the event has been held, and it all started as a 4 team women's college event, hosted by Peace College and head coach Charlie Dobbins. Over the years, the event transitioned to a NCAA Division III softball tournament and has been supported by the NCAA, the City of Raleigh, USA Softball and the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. Coach Dobbins recently retired from William Peace University after the 2024 season after leading the program for 25 years but will continue to run the event with the support of the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance, USA Softball, the NCAA and the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.
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.