Bonnie Tholl, an American former softball player, currently serving as the head coach for the Michigan Wolverines softball team, has been winning the hearts of millions with her amazing leadership skills.
Bonnie Tholl, who was ejected during her first year as head coach of the University of Michigan softball program, is now in her fourth season successfully leading the Wolverines and earning several honorable titles.
During her first season as the head coach, Bonnie Tholl made headlines for getting ejected in the game between Michigan and Northwestern in 2023.
Spending quality time with former @MHSAA state champ and current @umichsoftball #8 @madilynnramey at the state semis. #gymrat pic.twitter.com/uOzb2UJGo0
— Bonnie Tholl (@btholl) June 15, 2023
Furthermore, during the sixth inning of the game between Michigan and Northwestern, Michigan’s Lexie Blair got a hit and attempted to steal second base.
On a very close play, the umpire ruled that Blair was out. Coach Bonnie Tholl, however, strongly disagreed with the call and believed that Blair was not only safe but also that the Northwestern player had obstructed her path, which would have made the call incorrect according to the rules.
Wanting to stand up for her player, Tholl walked out onto the field to talk to the umpire. She later explained that all she said was “Blair was safe and she was obstructed.“
Tholl further emphasized that she didn’t use any inappropriate language or raise her voice disrespectfully. However, despite this, the umpire quickly decided to eject her from the game.
The ejection of Bonnie Tholl became a significant turning point for the Michigan Wolverines; the team lost speed, and shortly after, the team fell behind when Northwest scored three runs in the next inning.
Many Michigan fans felt that call and Tholl’s ejection was unfair, especially since it came during such a critical moment at a tight, scoreless game.
Bonnie’s removal from the game not only affected the team emotionally but also led to Michigan’s loss.
Although Michigan didn’t win the specific game, Bonnie Tholl has since led the team in several victories as the head coach, winning major titles.
Bonnie Tholl Led the Wolverines To Two Consecutive Big Ten Tournament Titles
Tholl was named the fourth head coach in Michigan softball program history on August 24, 2022, after spending 29 years as the Wolverines’ top assistant, including the previous 20 as associate head coach under legendary coach Carol Hutchins.
Bonnie joined her alma mater, Michigan, as an assistant coach in 1994 and was promoted to associate head coach in 2003.
And some more pic.twitter.com/nbsqAD7nLC
— Bonnie Tholl (@btholl) December 7, 2024
Despite a challenging first season as Michigan’s head coach, Bonnie Tholl guided the Wolverines to back-to-back Big Ten Tournament championships in 2024 and 2025.
Similarly, Tholl also guided the Wolverines in NCAA Tournament appearances in 2024 and 2025 and compiled an 82-39 record over the last two seasons.
In 2025, the Wolverines got revenge for two regular-season losses by shutting out No. 4 Oregon (5-0) in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals and No.9 (2-0) in the championship game.
Likewise, in 2024, Michigan under Tholl’s leadership posted its highest team batting average (.309) since 2019 and hit 67 home runs, the most since 2016. Five of the eight returning starters achieved career-best offensive stats.
Under head coach Bonnie Tholl, the Wolverines finished the 2024 season with a 43-18 record, their highest win total in five years. They finished second in the Big Ten regular season standings and went on to win the tournament title.
Michigan also led the conference with four players on the All-Big Ten first team and advanced to the NCAA Tournament regional final, where they fell to the No. 5 seed and WCWS-bound Oklahoma State.
Tholl and her staff were also honored as the NFCA’s 2024 Great Lakes Region Coaching Staff of the Year.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Prior to beginning her coaching career with Michigan, Bonnie Tholl served as the General Assistant coach of Indiana from 1992 to 1993.
- She was born Bonita Lynn Tholl on June 30, 1969, in Tinley Park, Illinois, United States.
- Bonnie played softball at the University of Michigan as a Shortstop from 1988 to 1991 and was the first player in the history of the conference to earn four All-Big Ten first team honors.
- She also participated in the 1993 Olympics Sports Festival and played with several Amateur Softball Association squads, earning ASA All-America second team honors in 1992.
