Newell has been an assistant coach for the men's volleyball team at UC San Diego for the past two years, where he assisted the head coach in all aspects of the program. Specifically, he scouted upcoming opponents' offensive tendencies, led his own team through the pre-match warm up, and helped in the evaluation and recruitment of potential student-athletes.

Before his time at UC San Diego, Newell was a women's volleyball volunteer assistant coach at California in 2009, helping the Golden Bears to a 21-11 overall record and the regional final in the NCAA Tournament.  He has also served as an assistant coach for the women's volleyball team at Chico State from 2005 through 2008, helping the squad reach three straight NCAA Division II Tournaments.

Newell earned several accolades during his time as a member of the club volleyball team at Chico State, including NCCS/NIRSA D1-AA Most Valuable Player and National Champion as well as Second Team All-NCCVL Division I in 2008. He was the club president and team captain from 2005 to 2008 as he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with an organizational management option from Chico State.