Ave Maria

Bob Batson enters his tenth season at the helm of the women’s basketball program at Ave Maria University. Coach Batson is the first and only women's basketball coach in the young history of athletics at AMU and has compiled  a record of 163-111 (75-48 TSC) in his first nine seasons.

Batson led the Lady Gyrenes to Ave Maria's first ever regular season Sun Conference title in 2012, a pair of Sun Conference Tournament Championships (2012, 2014),  two NAIA National Tournament appearances (2012, 2014), and a USCAA National Championship in 2011.  In addition, he has been named the Sun Conference Coach of the Year twice (2010, 2012).

One of the most respected and admired coaches in the local area on and off the court, Bob Batson is in his 41st year of coaching. Over his years as a high school head coach in southwest Florida he compiled a 229-107 (.681) coaching record reaching FHSAA final-four four times as a head coach and once as an assistant. Coach Batson joined AMU from South Fort Myers High School where he began the program in 2005, leading the Wolf pack to a 68-21 (.764) record in the first three years of infancy. Coach Batson led his new program to the school’s first ever District Championship in 2007 and its first Regional Championship and 4A final four finish in any sport in 2008.

Prior to South Fort Myers, Coach Batson was the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Bishop Verot High School from 1995-2003. There he led the Vikings to a 171-85 (.668) season in the eight year period as Head Coach. He also served as Alternate Assistant Coach from 1993-1995.Coach Batson collected five regular season district championships, three district tournament championships and two regional championship titles. He led the Vikings to two 3A final fours (2002 & 2003), a 3A State Runner-Up Title (2002) and a three year 29-1 record (2000-2003).

Coach Batson's success has earned him numerous accolades throughout his long coaching career. He has been named the Sun Conference Coach of the Year twice, Florida Athletic Coaches Association District Coach of the Year three times, Fort Myers News Press Girls’ Basketball Coach of the Year twice and is a three time Southwest Florida Basketball Coaches Association Girls’ Basketball Coach of the Year. Batson was also twice named the State of Florida Athletic Coaches Association North/South Girls’ Basketball All-Star Assistant Coach (2002) Head Coach (2003) and the Southwest Florida All Star Girls’ Basketball Coach three times.

A graduate of University of the Florida in 1968 with a B.S., B.A. Degree in Accounting, Batson has been a Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Institute of Certified Financial Planners, International Board of Certified Financial Planners, Academy of Family Mediators, Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator, Medical Group Management Association, Past Member - AICPA Management of an Accounting Practice Committee, National CPA Health Care Advisors, National CPA Health Care Consultants and AICPA State Liaison Committee, Vice President of the FICPA (1990-91), President-Elect of the FICPA (1991-92 Year), President of the FICPA (1992-93 Year).

* - The Sun Conference Regular Season Champions
# - The Sun Conference Tournament Champions