Montgomery Academy announces new volleyball coach

Carly Falcione becomes the new head volleyball coach at Montgomery Academy, replacing Julie Gordon, who retired after 46 years at the helm. (Contributed)

By TIM GAYLE

Montgomery Academy officials announced on Monday that Huntingdon College assistant volleyball coach Carly Falcione accepted the position as the Eagles’ new volleyball coach.

Falcione will take over for retiring Hall of Fame coach Julie Gordon, who announced in December she would be stepping down after 46 years of coaching at the school.

 “It is both humbling and exciting to follow Coach Gordon, knowing the incredible impact she had at Montgomery Academy and the entire volleyball community throughout the state,” Falcione said. “This volleyball program is held in high regard throughout the state and the Southeast and I am eager and excited to play a role in the lives of these young ladies that come through our program.”

An all-state performer at Northside High in Columbus, Ga., Falcione started her collegiate career at Valdosta State University, playing there for two years before transferring to Gulf South Conference rival Auburn University Montgomery when the Warhawks began their program in 2017.

Falcione is one of only two Warhawks to play in every set during those first two years and ranks among the top Warhawks in single-season assists and service aces. She was selected as a team captain and was a member of the school’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in communication disorders and a master’s degree in sports management, remaining at the school in 2019 as a graduate assistant coach.

In 2020, she was hired as an assistant coach for Latonia Brady’s volleyball program at Huntingdon College and served in the dual role as volleyball and beach volleyball assistant. In addition, she has coached club volleyball with the Capital City Juniors.  

Montgomery Academy athletic director Wright Ward said Falcione emerged as the top candidate to replace Gordon.

“After several conversations with Coach Falcione and watching the way she interacted with our

student-athletes, it was evident she was the right person for this job,” he said. “Coach Falcione recognizes and embraces the expectations that come with leading a program like ours. She understands and deeply respects the strong foundation built by Coach Gordon over the last four decades and is committed to upholding the same high standards as she leads the program into the future.”