HACKETTSTOWN — Centenary University has named Daniel Armida as its new director of athletics, following a national search that drew candidates from New Jersey and across the country.
The search included an extensive interview process involving multiple groups of representatives from the campus community. University officials said Armida brings a combination of athletic leadership, student development expertise, business acumen and a commitment to the success of student-athletes and coaches.
Armida has spent the past three years at Centenary as assistant coach for men’s and women’s volleyball, mental performance coach and student success specialist, working with students to strengthen academic performance, leadership skills, confidence, resilience and personal growth.
“Dan’s unwavering belief that athletics should develop the whole person, mind, body and spirit, stood out throughout the search process,” said Centenary University President John Schol. “I am confident that under Dan’s leadership, Centenary Athletics will continue to build on its proud tradition while creating new opportunities for success.”
Armida brings more than 25 years of coaching experience to the role. Before joining Centenary, he served as a mental performance coach for Team USA’s sitting volleyball team, scouted for the Atlanta Braves organization, founded and led nationally recognized athletic programs, and coached athletes at the youth, high school, collegiate, national and professional levels. He is also a certified mental performance master coach who operates a private practice, the World’s Strongest Mindset program, which has featured collaborations with three-time World’s Strongest Man Bill Kazmaier and former Mr. Universe Stuart Garrington.
“I am honored to step into the role of director of athletics at Centenary University,” Armida said. “My approach starts with a simple belief: People do their best work when they feel seen, valued and heard. My goal is to build a culture that feels like family, one where we compete at the highest level while never losing sight of the person behind the performance.”
Centenary student-athletes celebrated a national champion, a team that finished third in the nation, a team that placed first in the conference, seven student-athletes recognized on Academic All-American teams, two conference coaches of the year and a team that earned a national sportsmanship award over the past year, according to the university.
Founded in 1867 by the United Methodist Church, Centenary University is located in Hackettstown, New Jersey, with an equestrian center in Washington Township. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs grounded in a liberal arts foundation and career-focused learning.
