John Higgins begins his third year as head coach for the Purdue North Central volleyball program. He is the only coach in the program's short intercollegiate history.

The Panthers finished 22-21 in 2008-09, a remarkable turnaround from the 3-26 finish in the program's first year with a limited schedule and roster.

The 2008-09 season also marked the program's first year with a full schedule, including conference play. PNC finished 3-7 in the CCAC (7th of 11 teams) and bowed out in the first round of the CCAC Tournament.

Higgins has many years of coaching experience at various levels throughout his career. Prior to being named the head coach at PNC, he served as the assistant coach for the Panther club volleyball team in 2006.

Higgins was a volleyball coach at North Judson-San Pierre High School in 2005, where he currently is in his sixth year teaching Industrial Technology at the middle school.

Before accepting his teaching position at North Judson-San Pierre, Higgins was an assistant for the Tri-State University women's volleyball team in 2002. He also has several years of team and individual camp experience, working at Sweet Home High School in Amherst, New york from 1998-2002.

As a player, Higgins was a standout, four-year starter at Tri-State University (now Trine University) in Angola, IN. He helped lead the team to two NAIA National Tournaments and was named Second Team All-Conference in his senior year. Higgins was named to three All-tournament teams during his career and was Tri-State's team captain in 2002 and co-captain in 2001.

Higgins earned his Bachelor's Degree in CADD Technology from Tri-State in 2003 and his Masters in Technology Education from Ball State University in 2004.

Higgins is currently engaged to be married in 2010 and resides in Valparaiso.

Josh DeYoung begins his second year as an assistant coach for the Purdue North Central volleyball team.

Including last season, DeYoung brings 11 years of playing and coaching experience to the Panther program and currently serves as the boy's varsity head coach at Wheeler High School in Valpariaso, IN. He helped the program return to the semi-finals of the state tourney in '08.

Prior to Wheeler, DeYoung held the varsity boys coaching position at Washington Township High School, also in Valparaiso, IN. 

Throughout his career he has worked numerous camps and clinics throughout the region. 

DeYoung played collegiately at Lees McRae College, a D-II institution located in Banner Elk, NC. He helped the program grow through its first four years of being a varsity sport.  

In high school, DeYoung helped lead his team, Hebron High School, to the state finals in 2001.

DeYoung graduated with his B.S. in Business Administration from Lees McRae in 2006.

DeYoung currently resides in Hebron and is employed by Silvent North America.