04/07/2026
Today we change gears and give recognition to a local man, bringing pride to Huntsville and Sam Houston State University.
From his early days as a standout in the Kiwanis Youth Bowling Leagues, to leading a national championship program, Head Coach Brad Hagen has built a career defined by results—not aspirations.
As Sam Houston State University expanded its Title IX programs, the university sought a head coach capable of building something from nothing—no framework, no blueprint, just vision. They found exactly that in Brad Hagen.
At just 27 years old, Hagen walked into his interview with the athletic director and made a bold promise: “If you hire me, I will bring a national championship to SHSU within my first four years.” That confidence wasn’t misplaced.
Hired in 2009, Hagen didn’t ease into the role—he attacked it. His first recruit, Kimi Davidson of Azle, Texas, became the cornerstone of the program. Five years later, on the national stage against powerhouse University of Nebraska, Davidson delivered the final, decisive shot to secure SHSU’s first NCAA Division I National Championship in 2014. In a storybook moment, the program’s first recruit threw her final collegiate ball to fulfill the promise Hagen made on day one.
Over 15 seasons of competition (with the 2019–2020 season cut short due to COVID-19), Coach Hagen has compiled an extraordinary résumé:
-2014 NCAA Division I National Champion
-Career record: 1,313–665 (66.4%)
-14 of 16 seasons finishing in the Top 8
-13 consecutive National Championship appearances
-2 NTCA Rookies of the Year
-3 alumni advancing to professional titles
-First Division I startup program to qualify for a National -Championship
- #1 ranking in NTCA Poll
-Named among Bowlers Journal Top 100 Coaches (3×)
-19 medals at PABCON (record-setting)
-Represented Team USA at the 2012 World Youth Championship (Bangkok, Thailand)
-Bronze medalist, World Deaf Bowling Championship (Team USA doubles)
-Two bronze medals at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games
-NCAA National Committee Member
-NTCA Central Regional Chair & Vice President
-USBC Gold Certified Coach
-26 NTCA All-Americans
-57 NTCA Academic All-Americans
-Never ranked outside the Top 9 nationally
-7th all-time in career wins
And many more achievements both domestically and internationally!
Title IX programs have opened doors for generations of female athletes, and Coach Hagen has been a driving force behind that progress. What began as an opportunity to build a program from scratch has become a lasting legacy—one defined by excellence, consistency, and a championship standard.
We’re proud to support the SHSU Bowling program here at Lonestar Security—and what Coach Hagen has built is nothing short of incredible.
Now it’s time to help take it even further.
If you’re a business owner, community supporter, or just someone who believes in giving opportunities to hardworking student-athletes, this is your chance to get involved. Title IX programs like this don’t just compete—they change lives.
If you’re interested in sponsoring or donating to support this championship-level program, reach out to Coach Hagen directly, or send us a message and we’ll connect you.
Let’s rally behind a program that continues to represent our community the right way.
Eat 'em Up Kats!