CONWAY, Ark. – Head Sugar Bear Coach John Newberry has announced new additions to his staff, bringing in two new coaches for the 2025 season. The new staff brings a blend of youth and experience, tactics and player development, and should serve the Sugar Bears as they enter year five in the ASUN.
 
Jovan Garcia joins the staff with over two decades of experience developing athletes and teams, both at the college and youth levels. Before joining the Sugar Bears, Garcia was on staff at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, where she helped develop the middle blockers, opposites and setters. With her help, the Lions outblocked opponents 268 to 190, and received four All-MIAA honors after the season.
 
Garcia has also coached at the youth level, including Wentworth Institute of Technology, where she helped the team to a 23-6 record, a conference championship, and one of the longest winning-streaks in program history. She has also led premier club programs in Texas, developing players as they make the jump from the prep ranks to the college game.
 
"I'm proud to be a part of a program that values grit, heart, and high standards," Garcia said. "UCA represents everything I believe about sport – that when athletes are challenged, supported and trusted, they grow into the kind of people who make lasting impacts."
 
Also joining the staff is Kennedey Johnson. Fresh off of a playing career that saw her play four years at North Alabama and a grad year at Southeast Missouri State, Johnson was a skilled setter and defender over her five seasons. She posted 1,392 assists, with a career-high 633 in her last season at North Alabama, and 596 digs. She also logged 92 aces and 55 kills during her time on the court.
 
Johnson also showed during her college career that her talents extend beyond just between the lines, being named a 2023 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District selection after having a remarkable academic career as an interior architecture and design major at North Alabama.
 
"I'm thrilled to begin my coaching career at the University of Central Arkansas. Returning to the ASUN, where I spent the majority of my playing career, is a special opportunity," Johnson added. "UCA has an incredibly talented group, and I'm excited to contribute to the growth and success of this program."
 
The pair joins a Central Arkansas team that went 17-12 last season, including an 8-1 home slate and an ASUN Championship Semifinal appearance.