A severe ankle injury suffered during a match in Switzerland is leading Maggie Cartwright toward a coaching career. She is returning to Arkansas. Cartwright, one of the top hitters in the program's history, was playing professionally in Switzerland. The injury cut her season short. It led her to contact Arkansas coach Jason Watson. Watson arranged for her to return to Fayetteville for rehabilitation. Now she works as an assistant coach for the team. They prepare for the upcoming season.
Cartwright’s return to the Razorbacks coaching staff marks her as the third former player under Watson. She joins Hannah Hogue and Courtney Jackson. All three were key figures in Arkansas' Elite Eight run in 2023. Now they use their experiences to mentor the current roster. Their combined knowledge and shared past offer a unique advantage. They help shape the team’s future. They bring both personal insight and a deep understanding. They know what it takes to succeed at the collegiate level.
Coaches Build Team Connection
Watson has used the close connection these assistant coaches have with the current athletes to build a stronger link between himself and the team. Their shared history as players allows them to grasp the challenges of college competition better than any outsider. This bond also ensures their coaching style and approach align with the program’s core values and long-term goals, making their guidance more impactful and trusted.
Hogue and Jackson are managing their coaching responsibilities alongside their academic goals. Jackson is nearing completion of her master’s degree in Operations Management, needing just one more class and a final exam to finish her program. She has also secured a spot on a professional team in Atlanta, proving her ability to balance both coaching and her career aspirations after the fall season ends.
Hogue, who earned her bachelor’s in Agricultural Economics, has already completed her master’s. Now she views coaching as a lasting passion. She wants to continue influencing and supporting the next generation of athletes. “I like knowing that I can help kids and that they are enjoying the game,” she said. She expressed her motivation to remain in the sport in a leadership role.
Cartwright's Return Home
Cartwright’s return to Arkansas was driven by a mix of emotional and practical reasons. “I said, 'I've got to get back home,'” she said after her injury in Switzerland. Focused on working with the team’s hitters, she feels confident. Her experience and history with Watson and the program will help the Razorbacks. They aim to deliver a strong performance this season.
While Cartwright is still considering her future in professional volleyball, she remains focused on her recovery and her role as an assistant coach. Her dual experience as a former player and current coach has already added valuable insight to the team. Her return has brought a new depth to the coaching staff and strengthened the bond between the assistants and the players, demonstrating how setbacks can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Cartwright’s hands-on coaching, Hogue’s expertise in both academics and the sport, and Jackson’s dedication to balancing school and sports have created a strong foundation for the team. Their varied perspectives, combined with their shared past as athletes, give the Razorbacks a unique advantage. The program benefits not only from their individual strengths but also from the unity they bring as a former team working together again.
Unity and Team Philosophy
Cartwright expressed her confidence in the team’s unity, which stems from their shared history and common goals. This sense of togetherness aligns well with Watson’s coaching philosophy and has already begun to resonate with the players. The coaching staff’s cohesive approach is showing early results, as they prepare to lead the team into the season.
With the season set to begin on Aug. 15, the Razorbacks are aiming to build on their past success. Cartwright, Hogue, and Jackson are working to channel their experience and combined talents into helping the team reach its full potential. Their return to the program as assistant coaches shows how personal and professional growth can contribute to a team’s long-term success.
