NEWBERRY ? The Newberry College athletics department has announced the hiring of Joniah Howell to lead the Acrobatics and Tumbling as they open their inaugural season in the 2024-25 year.
 
Howell comes to Newberry after being the Assistant Acrobatics and Tumbling Coach at Limestone University for the 2022 season where the Saints had a 12-1 record and an appearance in the national semifinals for the first time in program history. As a Saint, Howell assisted in various day by day tasks, such as recruiting, competition preparation, practice assignments and team activities.
 
"Joniah is a shining star who is ready to take on her first head coaching position and is the right person to start our program." Athletic Director Sean Johnson said. "Her experience as a student-athlete and coach makes her a perfect fit for our student-centered approach at Newberry College."
 
Prior to Limestone, Howell was in Waco, Texas as a Recreational Gymnastics Coach and a Camp Coach for the Zero Gravity Gymnastics Academy from 2020 to 2022. At Zero Gravity, Howell Instructed individual students and groups on how to perform the basics of gymnastics and tumbling techniques.
 
"Joniah was a standout throughout the hiring process." Associate Athletic Director Hunter Perry said. "Her strong past experiences and drive to succeed make her a perfect fit to start our Acrobatics and Tumbling team and Newberry College! We welcome her to the family!" 
 
"I am grateful for the welcoming environment that everyone at Newberry has given me, and I am excited to have the opportunity to build this program and watch it develop." Howell said. "This sport has a piece of my heart, and I am ready to watch it continue to grow and open more doors for young female athletes."

Howell received her bachelor's degree in English Creative Writing from West Virginia Wesleyan University. As a bobcat, Howell was a three-time all-MEC athlete.