State champion coach taking over Heathwood Hall volleyball program
Cynthia Dimapan built Cardinal Newman into one of the top volleyball programs in the state, public or private.
Now, Dimapan looks to do the same at another Columbia area private school. Heathwood Hall introduced her as the Highlanders’ new volleyball coach on Monday.
On Tuesday, she spoke with The State about her move to Heathwood, which plays in the same SC Independent Schools Association and region as Cardinal Newman.
“Ultimately, I felt ready for a new chapter — one that allows me to grow, take on new challenges, and continue my love for coaching,” Dimapan said.
Dimapan replaces Stefani Walston as Highlander coach. She will be one of two new coaches in SCISA Region 1-4A. Hammond hired former Lexington and North Myrtle Beach volleyball coach Erica Hardin last week.
Heathwood has struggled recently and won just three matches this season.
Dimapan comes to Heathwood with an accomplished resume from her 10 seasons at Cardinal Newman. Her Cardinal squads didn’t lose a region match in that period and played for seven SCISA championships, winning five — including four straight from 2022-2025.
Before Cardinal Newman, Dimapan’s other stops in SC were as a head coach at Spring Valley (2005), head coach at EL Wright Middle School (2006-15) and assistant coach at AC Flora (2004) and Lexington (2002-03).
Dimapan went 352-79-11 during her 10 years at Cardinal Newman, including a 46-9 record this year. The Cardinals won 30 or more matches in a season in seven of the 10 seasons, including a school-record 47 in 2022. Cardinal Newman hasn’t lost a match to a SCISA opponent since falling to Porter-Gaud in the 2021 state championship.
Several Cardinal Newman players went on to play college volleyball.
“I’m excited to invest in the student-athletes at Heathwood and help create an environment where they can thrive,” Dimapan told The State. “I look forward to building a team culture rooted in accountability, effort, and improvement each and every day.
“I’m incredibly grateful for my time at Cardinal Newman and for the relationships, families, and players who trusted and invested in our volleyball program. We built a program grounded in hard work, discipline, and a commitment to excellence. I’m excited to bring that same passion, commitment, and energy to Heathwood.”
This story was originally published March 31, 2026 at 12:46 PM.
