HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (Warren County) — Centenary University has named Daniel Armida as its new director of athletics following a national search that attracted candidates from New Jersey and across the country.
Armida succeeds to the leadership role after serving the past three years at Centenary as assistant coach for the men’s and women’s volleyball teams, mental performance coach and student success specialist. University officials said the search included an extensive interview process involving multiple groups from the campus community.
Over the past three years, Armida has worked closely with student-athletes to strengthen academic performance, leadership skills, confidence, resilience and personal growth while contributing to the university’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 coaching and leadership experience to the position. 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 athletic programs, and coached athletes at the youth, high school, collegiate, national and professional levels. He has also managed businesses and organizations requiring operational, financial and personnel oversight.
A certified mental performance master coach, Armida also operates a private practice through his World’s Strongest Mindset program, which has collaborated with professional athletes and strength coaches, 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 time as both a coach and student success specialist has shaped his approach to leading the university’s athletic department.
“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 officials noted the university’s athletic achievements over the past year, including a national champion, a team that finished third nationally, a conference championship, seven Academic All-Americans, two conference coaches of the year and 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 looks forward to leading the university’s athletic programs into their next chapter.
“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.”
