Austin Newton was named Head Coach of the Berea College men's basketball program in September 2022.
In his inaugural season, Newton earned the Collegiate Conference of The South “Coach of the Year” award. Under his leadership, the Mountaineers achieved their highest win total (15 wins) since 2016-17, tied for second place in the league (7-5), and hosted their first-ever postseason game since joining NCAA Division III. Newton’s team excelled on the road, posting a 9-3 record away from home. Senior Isaac Caudill and sophomore Trey Minter received All-Conference First Team honors.
Previous Coaching & Leadership Experience:
Prior to Berea, Newton was head coach at Madison Southern High School in Berea. In his final season, he led the Eagles to only the third district championship in program history, defeating Madison Central. The team went on to win a first-round game in the 11th Region Tournament — a first in the program’s history. Newton also cultivated a strong team culture emphasizing community service; his team was featured on ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt show for their involvement with the Madison County Special Olympics. They also participated in service projects such as the Spoonbread Festival, Habitat for Humanity, supporting local food banks, and nursing homes.
College Coaching & Athletic Administration:
Newton spent many years at Eastern Kentucky University as a coach and administrator. From 2015-2018, he served as Assistant Athletic Director of Development, managing fundraising efforts for the Colonel Club and EKU Athletics. He launched the “Elite 100” program, targeting annual gifts of $1,000+ to support athletic facilities and initiatives, and oversaw the Athletics Campaign Committee that funded numerous university projects.
Initially, Newton served as the Basketball Director of Operations at EKU (2008-2010) before being promoted to full-time assistant coach (2010-2015). During this period, EKU compiled a 106-61 record, including a 24-10 season in 2013-14 that culminated in winning the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament and earning an NCAA Tournament bid against Kansas. Newton was also the lead recruiter for Nick Mayo, EKU’s all-time leading scorer.
Academic & Athletic Achievements:
While at EKU, Newton helped the program earn the NCAA Division I Academic Progress Rate (APR) Public Recognition Award in 2014 — one of only 24 sports programs in the Ohio Valley Conference and one of only 40 NCAA Division I men's basketball teams nationwide to earn this honor.
Playing Career:
A Campbellsville native, Newton played collegiate basketball at Eastern Kentucky from 2001-2005. As a senior captain, he helped lead EKU to the 2005 NCAA Tournament, where they faced Kentucky in the first round. He graduated cum laude in August 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in public relations, a 3.5 GPA, and was a three-year Scholar-Athlete.
Personal Life:
Austin is married to Amy, a Berea native and Madison Southern alumna. Austin & Amy reside in Berea, they have two kids, Halle and Hagan.
