Chad Sutton begins his second season as head coach of the Appalachian State University women's volleyball team with significant changes for the 2026 season. The Mountaineers face new challenges with 10 new players and two new coaches joining the team. Sutton's leadership, developed through a career marked by success, will be crucial as the Black and Gold navigate the Sun Belt Conference.
Sutton emphasizes that a head coach's mindset is vital for guiding athletes to reach their full potential. He highlights the importance of never letting standards decline to please players, while also ensuring continuous support to prevent them from giving up. His approach involves being a constant, personal presence throughout an athlete's longer journey, sometimes pulling them forward and sometimes pushing them.
Before coming to App State, Sutton made a significant impact during his two years as head coach at Mercer University. During the 2024 season, he led the Bears to their best program record in history, finishing 26-7. Sutton's tenure at Mercer also saw six players receive all-conference awards in his second season alone. His overall head coaching record at Mercer was 42-19 across two seasons.
Sutton's drive for success was evident early in his career, beginning as a head coach at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School. After numerous player withdrawals created uncertainty for the Cougars' future, Sutton's commitment to hard work, connectivity, and team chemistry led them to success. In his third year, he coached the team to the state championship game, where they lost 3-2 in the final set. Sutton vowed, "We will be back here next year," and he fulfilled that promise.
The following year, Sutton led the Cougars back to the championship game, securing a historic victory. This win marked the school's first state title in 50 years across any sport. This experience underscored his philosophy of confronting challenges directly and accepting them.
Sutton's journey in sports began in Manatee County, Florida, where he participated in multiple sports including baseball, football, tennis, basketball, and volleyball. He transitioned into coaching as a strength and conditioning coach after college. His move from high school to collegiate coaching included volunteer assistant roles at Purdue University for the 2020 and 2021 seasons, followed by an assistant coach position at Coastal Carolina University in 2022. He made his head coaching debut as a head coach at Mercer in 2023.
As the 2026 season unfolds, Coach Sutton's capabilities will once again be put to the test at App State. He views the influx of new players as a source of hope, rather than a challenge of being a "new face." Sutton's career demonstrates a winning mindset that transcends various teams and age levels, from his early high school coaching days to his second collegiate head coaching position. His impact is measured not just by statistics, but by his consistent leadership and dedication to athlete development, promising a strong future for the Mountaineers.
