DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — According to Wallace Community College-Dothan, Ryan Ihle has been appointed interim athletic director effective Aug. 1 while continuing to serve as the college’s head baseball coach.
The college said Ihle joined Wallace in 2021 and became head baseball coach in 2022. During his tenure, the Governors baseball program has posted a 145-79 record, won three consecutive conference championships and captured the 2025 ACCC Division II Baseball Championship. Wallace also said 46 student-athletes have continued their academic and athletic careers at four-year institutions, including 27 NCAA Division I programs.
In his new role, Ihle will oversee the college’s athletic programs, support coaches and student-athletes, manage departmental operations and help guide the continued growth of Wallace Athletics.
“Since joining Wallace Community College, Ryan has demonstrated a strong commitment to our student-athletes, athletic programs, and the College through his leadership, dedication, and focus on student success,” said Dr. Chris Franklin, WCCD dean of student services. “His experience as a coach, commitment to excellence, and passion for developing student-athletes position him well to lead our athletic department during this transition. I am confident he will provide steady leadership as we continue to build upon the success of our athletic programs and serve our student-athletes with excellence.”
“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve Wallace Community College in this new capacity while continuing to coach our baseball program,” Ihle said. “Wallace has become home for my family and me, and I look forward to supporting all of our coaches and student-athletes as we continue building a culture centered on academic achievement, competitive excellence, and representing the Governors with pride.”
According to the college, Ihle previously coached at Cloud County Community College, Columbus State University and in the Cape Cod Baseball League. He also holds a Master of Public Administration from Columbus State University.
In a separate announcement, Wallace Community College-Dothan named Nicole Dutton as its new head softball coach.
According to the college, Dutton brings nearly 20 years of coaching experience. She spent the past decade leading Dale County High School’s softball program, guiding the Lady Warriors to three Alabama High School Athletic Association state tournament appearances and six regional tournament appearances. She was named the 2016 Alabama Sports Writers Association Class 3A State Coach of the Year and has served as Dale County High School’s athletic director since 2018.
“We are excited to welcome Coach Dutton to Wallace Community College,” Ihle said. “Nicole is a proven leader with a passion for developing student-athletes both on and off the field. Her experience as a successful coach, mentor, and athletic administrator, combined with her deep roots in the Wiregrass, make her an outstanding addition to our athletics program. We look forward to the energy, leadership, and competitive spirit she will bring to Govs Softball.”
“I am incredibly honored to join Wallace Community College and lead the softball program,” Dutton said. “Wallace has a proud athletic tradition and a strong reputation for developing student-athletes both in the classroom and on the field. I’m excited to build on that tradition, compete for championships, and help our student-athletes grow as players, students, and leaders.”
According to the college, Dutton previously served as an assistant softball coach at Dothan High School and also coached cross country. She later spent nearly a decade as a private softball instructor throughout the Wiregrass. A Wiregrass native, Dutton graduated from Dothan High School before playing at Gulf Coast Community College and the University of Mobile, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Performance and Exercise Science.
Image Source – Wallace Community College-Dothan
Image Source – Wallace Community College-Dothan
