The UAB softball program began competition in 2000 under its first head coach, Marla Townsend. The team competed in
Conference USA and recorded 39 wins in 2002, when Townsend was named Conference USA Coach of the Year. Early highlights for the program included a notable 2003 victory over No. 8 Oklahoma. Throughout its first decade, the Blazers focused on building a consistent presence within the conference, amassing over 250 wins by the end of the 2009 season. From 2010 to 2014, UAB made five consecutive
NCAA Tournament appearances. Mary Bowers Field opened in 2010 as the program’s home venue. Also, in
2013, the team reached the NCAA super regionals and finished the season ranked No. 16 in national polls. Following Marla Townsend’s tenure, Amanda Ellis and Jimmy Kolaitis each served as head coach.The 2020 season was shortened to 26 games due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Joe Guthrie was named head coach in July 2020, and coached the team for the 2021 and 2022 seasons. A.J. Daugherty was named head coach prior to the 2023 season, preceding the program’s move to the
American Conference. A.J Daugherty resigned following the 2024 season, with Taylor Smartt being selected to replace him. Taylor Smartt stepped down as head coach on April 28, 2026. While not named the interim head coach Anna Shelnutt would handle head coaching duties for the remainder of the season. ==Conference affiliation==