Washington State Baseball has hired Dan Bower as an assistant coach. Head Coach Nathan Choate announced the hiring on friday.
bower comes to WSU after spending the last three seasons at Centralia College, where he served as associate head coach, recruiting coordinator, hitting coach, and outfield coach.
“We are thrilled to add Dan Bower to our coaching staff,” Choate said. “Dan is an extremely hard worker, bright, and very driven. We are excited to see his impact on our program.”
In his first year at Centralia in 2023, Bower, who also coached third base, helped the team achieve a 26-24 record. This marked their highest win total as 1985 and their first winning season since 2010. centralia also had a 30-win season in 2024, and six players earned all-NWAC honors in 2025.
“It is truly an honor to be a part of such a storied program,” Bower stated. “I can’t wait to represent Washington State and join the Pullman community. Coach Choate and the rest of the staff have an unparalleled passion for this program and have already made this place feel like home. Go Cougs!”
Under Bower’s guidance as hitting coach in his first season, Centralia saw significant improvements in offensive categories, including runs scored, on-base percentage, slugging, hits, walks, doubles, home runs, RBI, extra-base hits, and total bases. The Blazers hit 17 home runs in 2023, tying for second in the NWAC during the regular season, a notable increase from the four they hit the previous year.Before his time at Centralia, Bower spent two seasons on the staff of former MLB All-Star Chris Sabo at the University of Akron. There,he coached the outfielders,worked with hitters,and served as the first base coach.in his second season at Akron, the team’s outfielders recorded an extraordinary 27 assists.
during his tenure at Akron from 2021-2022, Bower contributed to the advancement of outfielder Bryant Shellenbarger, who became a top defender and professional baseball player. After Bower’s first season with the Zips, Shellenbarger received the Northwoods league 2021 rawlings ‘Finest in the Field’ Award for his fielding. Following Bower’s second season at Akron, Shellenbarger began his professional career.
Prior to Akron, Bower was the Volunteer Assistant at Cuyahoga Community College for the 2020 season, where he also coached outfielders, worked with hitters, and was the first base coach. Bower’s passion for coaching began at the youth level,having previously coached for the Cleveland Whitecaps,Force Ohio,and the Cleveland Jr. RBI Program.
Bower, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, earned a BBA in Finance and Business Economics from Ohio University in 2011 and a JD from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 2014.
Earlier this summer, Cougar Baseball assistant coach Tommy Richards was promoted to recruiting coordinator and infield coach.
