James Davenport enters his first season as an assistant coach for the Cal State Bakersfield Softball team in Fall of 2023.
Davenport joins the CSUB Softball staff following two years at San José State. He joined the Spartan staff in 2021, and during his three-year tenure, the Spartans won 58 games. Prior to SJSU, Davenport was part of the Texas Tech University Softball staff, serving as the Outfielders coach during the 2020 season.
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A Bay Area native, Davenport also spent one season with the San Francisco Giants specializing in personal player development. He assisted with individual work with the Giants, which included the infield, outfield, and catching, as well as hitting and base running.
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Davenport got his start coaching in softball as a Volunteer Assistant with fellow Big West program CSUN in 2015. That year, the Matadors finished the season 41-17, capturing a Big West title and making an appearance in the NCAA Regionals, playing #7 UCLA and San Diego State.
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Prior to coaching, Davenport was a two-sport professional athlete. He earned the opportunity to play professional baseball and made his debut in 2007 as a member of the Seattle Mariners organization. After leading his team to the AZ Rookie League Championship, Davenport was named the Defensive Player of the Year. Davenport also made a High A Cal League Championship appearance in 2008 before moving on to play with the Joliet Jackhammers in 2009.
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Following his lone season coaching at CSUN, Davenport tested the NFL waters in 2014 where he earned a spot on the San Francisco 49ers reserve team. He then attended training camps for the Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks before eventually retiring.
Davenport is married to CSUB Softball Head Coach Letty Olivarez.
