John Higgins begins his fourth 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 struggled to a 9-20 (2-8 CCAC) record overall in 2009 after a solid 22-21 (3-7 CCAC) record in 2008.  The 2008 season marked a remarkable turnaround from the 3-26 finish in the program's first year in 2007 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 qualified for the post-season CCAC tournament with a 3-7 conference record (7th of 11 teams - top 8 teams qualify for tournament) and bowed out in the first round.

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.