Caroline Cleveland, McMurry University Class of 2014, has taken the next big step in her coaching journey鈥攖his time, as the newly named head coach of McMurry鈥檚 volleyball program.
Caroline, who returned to McMurry a year ago to join the athletics staff, has now been promoted to lead the team she鈥檚 helped support and shape behind the scenes. Her new role marks a meaningful milestone in a journey that began right here on campus more than a decade ago.
As a student, Caroline majored in Business with a minor in Marketing, while also pursuing her teaching certification through the FasTrack program and diving into her love for language with over 13 credit hours in English. Though her collegiate playing career was at Angelo State, her heart has long been tied to McMurry.
鈥淢cMurry has always felt like home,鈥� Caroline says. 鈥淕etting to continue my career here鈥攁nd now lead this program鈥攊s something I鈥檓 incredibly proud of. It鈥檚 a full-circle moment.鈥�
Since graduating, she鈥檚 coached at multiple levels, steadily building her skills and leadership style. While she didn鈥檛 compete in volleyball at McMurry, her experience as a student-athlete has deeply informed her coaching philosophy. 鈥淏eing a student-athlete taught me the value of discipline, balance, and teamwork鈥攍essons I bring to every practice, every game, every conversation,鈥� she explains.
Now in the top role, Caroline鈥檚 vision is clear: build a positive, competitive environment where players can grow both on and off the court. 鈥淚 want to establish a culture of consistency and connection鈥攚here athletes support each other, push each other, and build something bigger than themselves.鈥�
One of the driving forces behind her coaching is the same one that made her time at McMurry so memorable: community.
鈥淭he thing I鈥檒l never forget from my student days is how everyone showed up for each other. That spirit still lives here, and I want it to be a defining part of this program.鈥�
Whether it鈥檚 reviving spirited game-day traditions or leading community outreach initiatives, Caroline is committed to keeping that War Hawk pride alive. 鈥淭his program should be something our athletes, our alumni, and our university are proud of.鈥�
Her coaching journey has already included many rewarding moments, but she says the best part has always been seeing her athletes grow as people. 鈥淲atching them develop confidence, succeed in the classroom, and discover their own leadership potential鈥攖hat鈥檚 what it鈥檚 all about.鈥�
And when it鈥檚 time to get in the zone? Caroline hits play on her go-to hype track: 鈥淟ight a Fire鈥� by David Leonard. Fitting, for a coach ready to spark the next chapter of War Hawk volleyball.
Congratulations to Head Coach Caroline Cleveland鈥擬cMurry Made, and now McMurry leading.
Do you or an alum you know have a great post-McMurry story? We鈥檇 love to feature YOU! Contact the Alumni Office at聽alumni@mcm.edu聽to schedule an interview.