Centenary University Names Daniel Armida Director of Athletics
HACKETTSTOWN, N.J., July 14, 2026 – Following a thorough national search that attracted candidates from New Jersey and across the country, Centenary University has announced the appointment of Daniel Armida as its new director of athletics.
The search included an extensive interview process with participation from multiple groups of associates representing the campus community. Armida brings a unique combination of athletic leadership, student development expertise, business acumen and a deep commitment to the success of student-athletes and coaches.
Over the past three years at Centenary, Armida has served as assistant coach for men’s and women’s volleyball, mental performance coach and student success specialist. In these roles, he has worked closely with students to strengthen academic performance, leadership skills, confidence, resilience and personal growth, while contributing to a culture of excellence within Centenary’s athletic programs.
“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. “Athletics – and our student-athletes – are an essential part of the Centenary experience. They represent the best of our university through their discipline, perseverance, leadership and commitment to excellence. 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 diverse coaching experience to the role. Before Centenary, he built an impressive career spanning athletics, leadership and organizational management. His experience includes serving as a mental performance coach for Team USA’s sitting volleyball team, scouting for the Atlanta Braves organization, founding and leading nationally recognized athletic programs, and coaching athletes at the youth, high school, collegiate, national and professional levels. He has also successfully led businesses and organizations requiring strong operational, financial and personnel management.
As a certified mental performance master coach, Armida also operates a private practice focused on helping athletes unlock their full potential through his World’s Strongest Mindset program. The program has been featured in collaboration with professional athletes and elite strength and conditioning professionals, including 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. “I want to thank President Schol, Vice President Mullins and everyone who was part of this process for their trust and confidence in me. I also want to thank our coaches, who work tirelessly on behalf of Centenary, and our student-athletes, who make us proud. The trust the university places in me means more than words can capture, and I do not take it lightly.”
Armida said his experience as both a coach and student success specialist at Centenary has shaped his approach to athletic leadership. “I have seen firsthand the tremendous impact that happens when athletics and academics collaborate to help the whole student-athlete thrive,” he 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. When we take care of the whole student-athlete academically, athletically and personally, the results in competition and in the classroom take care of themselves.”
Centenary student-athletes continue to distinguish themselves in competition, in the classroom and throughout the community. This past year, the university 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. “These accomplishments reflect not only competitive success, but also the character, integrity and academic achievement that define our student-athletes,” Schol said. “Every day, they serve as ambassadors for Centenary University. Their achievements enhance the reputation of the university and inspire all of us to strive for excellence in our own work.”
Armida said he is eager to begin this next chapter for Cyclone Athletics. “I am ready to listen, to learn and to serve this community so we can build something special we can all be proud of,” he said. “Let us rise, together.”
ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1867 by the United Methodist Church, Centenary University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs grounded in a strong liberal arts foundation and career-focused learning. Located in Hackettstown, New Jersey, with an equestrian center in Washington Township, Centenary provides students with hands-on, personalized educational experiences that prepare them for success in a global and evolving workforce. Guided by its commitment to student success, university vitality, and world engagement, Centenary empowers students to lead lives of purpose, impact, and lifelong achievement. For more information about Centenary University, visit centenaryuniversity.edu.
