Killing It! Three Quick Questions For New MGA Volleyball Coach Cara MacFarland

Author: Sheron Smith
Posted: Monday, March 31, 2025 12:00 AM
Categories: Pressroom | Students | Faculty/Staff

Macon, GA

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MGA volleyball coach Cara MacFarland. Image by Tyler White.

Cara MacFarland is the new head coach for the Middle Georgia State University volleyball team. It’s a homecoming for MacFarland, who played for the Knights as a standout student-athlete from 2017-2020. She finished her MGA playing career as the all-time program leader in service aces and digs while ranking in the top five in kills and assists. Prior to returning to MGA, MacFarland spent more than three years on the volleyball coaching staff at Northwestern State University, an NCAA Division I school.  

Here’s a quick check-in with the University’s new volleyball coach!

As a former standout player for the Knights, how does it feel to return to MGA as the head coach, and what does it mean to you personally to give back to the program that shaped you?

"Returning to MGA as the head coach is truly a full circle moment for me. As a former player for the Knights, this program helped shape not just my athletic career but also the person I am today.  To now have the opportunity to lead this program and give back to the next generation of Knights is incredibly meaningful.  I know firsthand what it takes to succeed here, and I want to ensure that every player who wears this jersey experiences the same sense of pride and growth that I did."

You’ve had experience at the NCAA Division I level, including stepping in as an interim head coach. How will those experiences shape your approach to leading the Knights, especially as the program transitions to NCAA Division II?

"Having coached at the NCAA Division I level, I’ve seen firsthand what it takes to compete at the highest level of college athletics. One of the biggest takeaways from that experience is the importance of player development—both on and off the court. 

"My goal is to instill a competitive mindset in our team while also ensuring we develop a strong foundation—both athletically and academically—that will position us for long-term success.

"The transition to Division II is an exciting challenge, and I’m confident that my experience at the Division I level will help us navigate it smoothly."

You’ve mentioned creating a competitive culture with a "WE vs ME" mentality. Can you elaborate on how you plan to instill this mindset in your team and how it will contribute to its success both on and off the court?

"Building a competitive culture starts with establishing a standard—one where every player understands that putting the team first isn’t an option; it’s a requirement. The ‘WE vs ME’ mentality is about embracing sacrifice, discipline, and accountability.  A team that buys into this is one that competes harder, plays smarter, and ultimately wins more—both in the game and in life."