Aaron Denton enters his seventh year as Director of Athletics at North Carolina Wesleyan University after being appointed to the role in May 2018. Since his arrival, Denton has led a period of historic growth and transformation for the Battling Bishops, overseeing major facility enhancements, record-breaking competitive success, and increased student-athlete achievement across the university’s 20-sport department.
Under Denton’s leadership, North Carolina Wesleyan has added lights to Bauer Field, a covered batting cage for its baseball program, and a new scoreboard to Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Stadium. Most notably, he spearheaded the development of the university’s Indoor Sports & Education Facility—nicknamed “The Bubble.” Opened in 2020, the approximately 48,000 square foot, air-supported structure features four indoor tennis courts, classroom space, coaches’ offices, squash courts, and room for a future golf simulator. The facility was made possible through a partnership with several generous donors and the Nash County Tourism Development Authority, with the goal of enhancing Wesleyan’s varsity programs—particularly tennis, golf, and sports performance—while providing the broader community with increased access to athletic and recreational opportunities.
Also under his direction, Wesleyan completed the construction of Stallings Field at Vernon T. Bradley, Jr. Stadium, giving football and lacrosse their first true on-campus venue. Denton also added men’s and women’s track & field as NCAA programs and has overseen a continued investment in facilities that support both competition and the student-athlete experience.
On the field, Wesleyan Athletics has thrived during Denton’s tenure. The 2024–25 academic year saw the men’s tennis program win its sixteenth consecutive USA South championship, while the women’s tennis team captured its third straight league title. In the fall, men’s soccer claimed the USA South regular season crown. These accomplishments add to a growing list of conference championships, NCAA Tournament appearances, and All-American honors achieved during his time at the helm. The department also continues to lead academically, with more than 150 student-athletes earning USA South Academic All-Conference recognition this past year.
Prior to arriving in Rocky Mount, Denton served as the first Director of Athletics at Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst, North Carolina from 2008 to 2018. During his tenure, he launched the school's athletic program from the ground up, initially adding men’s basketball, women’s volleyball, and men’s golf, followed by the addition of women’s golf, men’s and women’s cross country, and track & field. His leadership resulted in two NJCAA National Championships and numerous regional and national accolades for coaches and student-athletes.
A native of Bunn, North Carolina, Denton earned his Bachelor of Science in Management from Guilford College, where he was a three-sport athlete in basketball, football, and lacrosse. He began his coaching career immediately after graduation, spending time on staff at Guilford, UNC Greensboro, Southern Guilford High School, Miami-Dade College, and Louisburg College. While at UNCG, he also earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration.
Denton continues to shape the vision of Wesleyan Athletics by emphasizing competitive excellence, student development, and community impact. He and his wife, Ami, reside in the region with their three children—Savannah, Noah, and Parker—all proud supporters of the Battling Bishops.
