EDWARDSVILLE – Dalton McFarland has been named the head softball coach at Edwardsville High School. The Edwardsville Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education approved his appointment during its meeting on Monday, July 27, 2026.
McFarland brings nearly a decade of softball coaching experience to the Tigers. Since 2017, he has led the Casey-Westfield High School softball program to a 272-49 record, nine regional championships, six sectional championships, two super-sectional championships, three conference championships, a second-place state finish and a third-place state finish.
He has also been named the Illinois Coaches Association Class 1A Sectional Coach of the Year six times. In addition, he coached Casey-Westfield’s
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be the head softball coach at Edwardsville High School,” McFarland said. “I am excited to work with such talented and committed softball players and families, and to lead this already successful program to the next level. Through a culture of hard work, togetherness, and continuous growth we will strive to establish Edwardsville softball as the top softball program in the state of Illinois – representing this school and community with pride at all times, both on and off the field.”
In addition to serving as head softball coach, McFarland will teach special education at Edwardsville High School.
While at Casey-Westfield, he spent the last three years as the junior high and high school assistant principal after two years as the junior high and high school athletic director.
“We’re excited to welcome Dalton to Edwardsville,” said Athletics Director Amy Boscolo. “Throughout the interview process, it became clear that he genuinely cares about kids and understands that coaching is about much more than wins and losses. He has a strong knowledge of the game, but what really stood out was the way he talks about building relationships, creating a positive team culture, and helping student-athletes grow.
“His success at Casey-Westfield certainly caught our attention, but it was his leadership style and vision for the program that made us feel he was the right fit. We believe he’ll build on the tradition of Edwardsville softball while continuing to push the program forward.
“Our athletic department is committed to empowering student-athletes to lead, compete, and succeed in school, in sport, and in life, and Dalton’s approach to coaching aligns naturally with that mission. We’re excited to see the impact he’ll have on our players and are thrilled to welcome him and his family to the Tiger community.”
McFarland earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Greenville University, where he was a four-year baseball letter winner. He also holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from Eastern Illinois University.
