Stillman College Announces Volleyball, Bowling Coaches

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Stillman College on Thursday announced Tigers softball coach Joel Penfield has been tapped to resurrect the school's volleyball program, while Tuscaloosa-area coach Dondrae' Collins is set to debut the men's and women's bowling programs.

Click here to subscribe to our free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts.

Penfield has been the Stillman softball coach since 2017 and previously worked as girls' athletic director at Bessemer Academy from 2010-2017 while also serving as head coach for girls' basketball, volleyball and softball. During his second season as head volleyball coach, Bessemer Academy won the AISA Class 3A state title in 2013.

He will coach the volleyball team in addition to his duties as softball coach.

"I'm looking forward to it," he said. "There has been a lot of interest on campus the last couple of years and people asking about it. I'm excited to get back into volleyball."

The resurrection of the volley program — one that began in the mid-1970s — comes after the Tigers previously competed in women's volleyball as a member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and NCAA Division II through the 2015 season.

In addition to adding volleyball, Athletic Director Terrance Whittle said Stillman will join fellow SSAC member University of Mobile in adding the sport in 2022-2023, which will make them the first two men's programs in the state.

Stillman College alumnus Dondrae' Collins will be the head coach for both the men's and women's bowling programs for the 2022-2023 season.

"Coach Collins, having been a high school bowling coach in the Tuscaloosa area, brings a huge knowledge of the local area that will serve Stillman College in a number of ways, especially with recruiting," Whittle said. "We are excited to experience the first season and look forward to watching and supporting Coach Collins and the future bowling student-athletes."

Originally from Macon, Georgia, Collins first came to Stillman College on a baseball and marching band scholarship in 2007 and completed his degree in December 2012. During his time on campus, he was a drum major for the Blue Pride Marching Band.

After graduation, Collins would go on to start the bowling program at Central High School in Tuscaloosa and coached the Falcons to the inaugural AHSAA regional tournament. That season, his squad was 72 pins shy of advancing to the state tournament.

In addition to his innovations in the local bowling game, Collins has also taught at The Alberta School of Performing Arts since 2014 and coached football and baseball at Central from 2014-2020.

What's more, he's coached baseball and football at Paul. W. Bryant High School the last two seasons.

"It's a blessing and a thrill to get this opportunity," he said. "It's going to be a work in progress just getting off the ground, but it's going to be an amazing experience, not only for me, but these kids. Most high school bowlers' careers are over after their senior year, because most colleges do not have a bowling program. To be able to bring this program to my alma mater is amazing. I think it's going to be a hit."

Stillman College announced that the open tryout for uncommitted 2022 seniors and transfers will be held Wednesday, June 1 at 5 p.m. at Shindig Entertainment Center on McFarland Boulevard.

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com