Davis Beaver serves as the Head Softball Coach and Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach at Arlington Baptist. Beaver stands as a trailblazer in collegiate softball, serving as the first and only head softball coach in Arlington Baptist University history. Since launching the program in spring 2022, Beaver has transformed ABU into a national contender, achieving unprecedented success that has rewritten the record books and established new benchmarks for inaugural programs across the country.
In just four seasons at the helm, Beaver has compiled a remarkable resume that few programs achieve in a decade. Under his leadership, ABU has reached four consecutive regional finals, capturing championships in two of those appearances and advancing to the College World Series twice. Most notably, Beaver etched his name in the annals of collegiate athletics by becoming the first coach in history to lead a first-year program to the College World Series.
“The key to success is to surround yourself with good people. It’s a testament to all our players and coaches that we have been blessed with,” said Beaver.
Beyond wins and championships, Beaver has strategically positioned ABU softball as a program willing to compete against the nation's elite. By scheduling an aggressive slate of NCAA Division I and Division II opponents each season, he has provided his student-athletes with invaluable experience against top-tier competition while raising the program's national profile. This bold scheduling philosophy paid immediate dividends in 2023 when ABU defeated Southern University, marking the program's first-ever victory over an NCAA Division I opponent - a milestone that validated Beaver's vision and his team's competitive capabilities.
The program's upward trajectory continues to gain momentum. In 2026, Southern University will travel to Fort Worth for ABU's first-ever home game against an NCAA Division I program, a historic occasion that underscores the growing respect the Patriots have earned in the softball community and the strength of schedule Beaver continues to pursue.
Why play that schedule? “Every little girl turns on the TV, sees Oklahoma play, and wants to play Division 1 softball. It’s important to me to give them that opportunity. It’s so cool for the players and even cooler that we get to host a game,” said Beaver.
Beaver brings a wealth of experience across multiple levels of competition and various sports. His coaching journey includes stops at the NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NJCAA, and high school levels, where he developed expertise in coaching softball, basketball, football, volleyball, track, and cross country. This diverse background has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of athletic development, team dynamics, and the unique demands of coaching at different competitive levels. His multi-sport coaching experience allows him to draw from a broad knowledge base, incorporating successful strategies and training methods from various disciplines to enhance his softball program, something that differs from many other programs in the nation.
What truly distinguishes Beaver's program is his innovative coaching philosophy, which sets ABU apart from nearly every other school in collegiate softball. While many programs follow traditional softball models, Beaver has developed a unique approach that synthesizes principles from championship-winning coaches across different sports and levels of competition.
His philosophy emphasizes relentless attention to detail and the mastery of fundamentals. He instills in his players a standard of excellence in every aspect of preparation, creating a culture where mediocrity has no place. Beaver also embraces a positive, competitive energy that transforms pressure into opportunity. He teaches his players to view challenges as chances to prove their abilities rather than threats to their success, fostering mental toughness and resilience. Additionally, his philosophy incorporates a holistic view of player development that extends beyond the diamond. He emphasizes building strong relationships with student-athletes, understanding their individual motivations, and helping them develop life skills that will serve them long after their playing careers end. This player-centered approach has resulted in exceptional team chemistry and a program culture built on trust, accountability, and shared sacrifice.
In addition to his responsibilities as head softball coach, Beaver is currently in his second season as assistant men's basketball coach at ABU, where he serves under legendary coach Bubba Jennings. His involvement with men's basketball allows him to continue developing his coaching craft in a different sport while contributing to another successful program on campus.
Beaver is an Arlington native, a proud graduate of Arlington Lamar High School, and has his bachelor’s degree from Northwestern State University (LA) and a master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree from Grand Canyon University.
