Cara Swayze Retires From Spruce Creek Coaching

The long-time volleyball coach concludes her 35-year tenure at the Port Orange high school.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Volleyball

Cara Swayze Retires From Spruce Creek Coaching

Cara Swayze has retired from teaching and coaching volleyball at Spruce Creek High School after 35 years. Her departure follows the conclusion of the 2026 season.

Why it matters

Swayze leaves behind a lasting legacy in Port Orange, having led the program to historic heights including an undefeated regular season. She chose to depart now to pursue other activities after completing her time in the Deferred Retirement Option Program.

Swayze managed a 35-year coaching career at Spruce Creek High School, culminating in a 2015 season that saw the team achieve an undefeated regular season record. She finalized her retirement at age 61 while in her eighth year of the Deferred Retirement Option Program.

The players

Cara Swayze

She is a veteran educator and volleyball coach who dedicated three and a half decades to the athletic program at Spruce Creek High School.

Spruce Creek High School

This educational institution serves the Port Orange community and is where Swayze established her long-standing coaching career.

The details

After graduating from New Smyrna Beach High School, Swayze arrived at Spruce Creek in 1992 and transformed the program, securing a district championship in 1996 and a Final Four appearance in 2000. She stepped down from her position following a loss to DeLand in the district semifinals.

Swayze began her tenure at Spruce Creek High School in 1992.
The school ended a district championship drought in 1996.
The volleyball team reached the Final Four in 2000.
The program achieved its first undefeated regular season in 2015.
Swayze concluded her coaching tenure on October 13, 2026.

Season Trajectory

Swayze leaves the program at a pivotal moment, having utilized the structure of the Deferred Retirement Option Program to coordinate her exit. Her retirement marks a significant transition for the school's athletic department as it looks to appoint a new leader.

The departure of the long-time head coach opens the door for a new era of leadership at the Spruce Creek High School volleyball program. The school must now begin the process of selecting a successor to guide the team's roster for future seasons.

The takeaway

Swayze concludes a remarkable 35-year career that highlights the impact a long-term coach can have on a high school sports program. Her retirement serves as a reminder for professionals to proactively manage their career transitions through available pension or retirement planning programs.