Charlotte, NC - Johnson & Wales Charlotte has hired Alicia Dorgan as head softball coach.

Dorgan comes to Charlotte from USC-Aiken, where she spent the previous five seasons as Assistant Softball Coach. During her time with the Pacers, she helped the program to wins over three nationally ranked teams at the NCAA Division II level. USC-Aiken advanced to the Peach Belt conference tournament after a five year absence, and won the second most conference contests in program history in 2025, while also being ranked regionally for multiple weeks. She coached six All-PBC performers during the 2024 season, as USC-Aiken set a new program home run record with 51. In her first year as a full-time coach with the Pacers, the team improved their win total by 23 from the previous season, finishing with a 29-22 mark. Four Pacer players earned All-PBC honors under her direction. She coached sixteen all-conference performers in total, and USC-Aiken defeated teams ranked 2nd, 11th, and 12th nationally.

She also coaches at the U-16 level for the Carolina Aftershock travel softball program, and has also served as an instructor for Elire 80 LLC.

"I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead the JWU softball program," remarked Dorgan about her appointment. "I can't wait to get to work with our student-athletes, help them grow on and off the field, and build a program our alumni and community can be proud of. Go Wildcats!"

Dorgan wrapped up a stellar career at USC-Upstate in 2020. She was a unanimous ASUN All-Freshman Team selection following the 2017 season that saw her appear in 34 games, making 19 starts. She slugged 7 home runs, drove in 17, and led the team in slugging at .587.

After redshirting her sophomore season, she started 54 games as a junior in 2019. She batted .306, racking up 44 base hits, including 7 doubles, 1 triple, and 7 home runs. She also drew 18 walks and was 5 for 5 on stolen base attempts. She finished the campaign ranking in the top 10 in the Big South Conference in putouts (6th/284) and double plays (3rd/11). 

She made 23 starts in a COVID-shortened 2020 season, collecting 11 hits, and scoring 14 runs. 

Johnson & Wales Charlotte Athletic Director Trudi Lacey feels that Dorgan's experience and coaching pedigree make her an excellent choice to lead the Wildcats. "I am pleased to announce the hiring of Coach Dorgan. Her coaching experience, disciplined leadership, and mentorship under some of the best coaches in the country position her to lead JWU Charlotte Softball into an exciting new chapter. We are confident that Coach Dorgan will help take our program to the next level, and we are excited to welcome her to the JWU Charlotte Athletics family."

Dorgan graduated from USC-Upstate with a degree in interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis in psychology and criminal justice.