MACON, Ga.- The Middle Georgia State University volleyball program will have a new but familiar face roaming the sidelines next season as alumnus Cara MacFarland has been named the new head coach for the Knights program.

The University launched a national search following the conclusion of the 2024 season and Director of Athletics, Michael Brown is pleased to see the return of MacFarland, a standout student-athlete for the Knights (2017-20) return and lead the next crop of Knights on the court.

"We were fortunate to have significant interest in our head coaching position and throughout the process Cara's name and skill set continued to set herself apart from our talented candidate pool," said Brown.

"Her passion and vision to see the program grow into a championship-caliber program was evident from the first time we spoke and I'm excited to see the impact she will make on the young women involved in our program and the future Knights she will lead as well," continued Brown.

MacFarland will return to Macon following a 3+ year stretch on the staff at NCAA Division I, Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. She began her tenure with the Demons as a graduate assistant coach before being elevated to a full-time role as an assistant coach on the staff. She also stepped in as the interim head coach at NSU the past several months following a head coaching change.

Returning to her alma mater and being a part of the exciting changes going on within MGA Athletics are just part of the reason that the timing was right for MacFarland to once again don the Purple and Black.

"Returning to my Alma mater to coach volleyball gives me the chance to give back to the program that has shaped me and provides an opportunity to inspire the next generation. I can't express my gratitude enough, to the people that have poured into me and acted as mentors along the way," said MacFarland.

"Our goal moving forward, is to create a competitive culture that allows female athletes to reach their highest potential both, on and off the court. By installing a "WE vs ME" mentality, our team will empower each other and ultimately, celebrate shared success," continued MacFarland.

Originally from Norwalk, Ohio, MacFarland first stepped foot on the MGA campus in Fall 17' where she made an immediate impact on the court as she would go on to become a three-time captain and earn several conference accolades. She would wrap up her time at the University by earning her bachelor's degree in Psychology. She would later earn her master's degree in Adult Learning & Development at NSU.

Her time in an MGA uniform resulted in her finishing her playing career as the all-time program leader in service aces and digs while ranking in the top-five in kills and assists as well. This type of position versatility should allow for MacFarland to make a smooth transition to coaching the Knights at various positions on the court.

MacFarland will officially begin her duties on March 17^th with plans to work with the current Knights team this Spring in preparation for a new level of competition in the Fall as MGA makes the transition to the ranks of NCAA Division II and the Peach Belt Conference.

An introductory public reception will be scheduled and announced at a later date where individuals will have the opportunity to hear from Brown and MacFarland as well as meet the new coach in person.