John Newberry Resigns as Central Arkansas Volleyball Coach

Assistant coach Jovan Garcia steps in as interim head coach following Newberrys resignation from the program.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Volleyball

Expressive sports illustration of a volleyball player mid-spike above a net, capturing the intensity of collegiate volleyball. — Central Arkansas head volleyball coach John Newberry resigned this week, with assistant Jovan Garcia appointed to lead the program as interim head coach. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Central Arkansas volleyball head coach John Newberry has resigned after leading the program since the 2020-21 season. Director of Athletics Matt Whiting announced that assistant coach Jovan Garcia will serve as the interim head coach.

Why it matters

The change in leadership marks a transition for the Central Arkansas volleyball program following a tenure that included a conference tournament title. The university has confirmed it will begin a search for a permanent head coach to lead the team moving forward.

John Newberry concluded his tenure at Central Arkansas with an overall career record of 89-95. During his time as head coach, the team reached the 2025 NCAA tournament, where they recorded a 3-0 loss to SMU.

The players

John Newberry

He served as the head coach for the Central Arkansas volleyball team from the 2020-21 season until his resignation in 2026.

Jovan Garcia

He is the assistant coach who has been appointed as the interim head coach for the program.

Matt Whiting

He serves as the Director of Athletics at Central Arkansas and announced the coaching change.

The details

Newberry served as the head coach in Conway from the 2020-21 season through 2026. His tenure included a notable victory in the 2025 ASUN Volleyball Championship Tournament.

John Newberry began his tenure as head coach during the 2020-21 season.
The program secured a win in the 2025 ASUN Volleyball Championship Tournament.
John Newberry resigned and Jovan Garcia was named interim coach on October 30, 2026.

Season Trajectory

The transition to a new interim coach shifts the leadership dynamic for the remainder of the season following the programs 2025 ASUN Volleyball Championship Tournament title. The team must now adjust to new guidance after concluding the 2025 campaign with a first-round appearance in the NCAA tournament.

The appointment of Jovan Garcia as interim coach means that day-to-day operations and practice management for the remainder of the season will be under new leadership. The team will operate under this interim status until the university concludes its search for a permanent successor.

The takeaway

The program enters a period of uncertainty as it shifts from a multi-year coaching tenure to interim leadership. Fans and followers should watch for university announcements regarding the timeline and requirements for the upcoming permanent head coach search.