Tomic Unveils Exciting New Additions to University of Cincinnati Athletics Team!

CINCINNATI – The head volleyball coach at the University of Cincinnati, Danijela Tomić, proclaimed the initial two additions to her coaching team on Tuesday, enlisting Alison Cooke and Sean Drexl as assistant coaches.

“I am excited to announce Ali and Sean as the latest members of our coaching team,” stated Tomić. “Having collaborated with Ali for the previous eight years and Sean for the last two, I have witnessed their coaching capabilities, their connection with student-athletes, and their ability to enhance their performance both on and off the court. Their integrity, dedication, growth mindset, meticulousness, and enthusiasm for the game make them exceptional contributors to our program. They will both be vital in fostering a culture of excellence as we tackle the challenges and opportunities inherent in competing in the Big 12.”

The pair played a significant role in steering BGSU to a 25-10 record last season, marking the program’s seventh 20-win season since Tomic’s arrival in 2012. The Falcons secured the MAC Championship and ended as the NIVC Runner-Up for only the second time in the history of the program.

// ALISON COOKE

Cooke re-establishes her partnership with Tomić after spending the last eight seasons at Bowling Green State University, where she most recently held the position of associate head coach.

“It is an honor to become part of the Cincinnati volleyball program, and I am thankful for the chance to develop a championship program alongside Coach Tomić and Sean,” remarked Cooke. “I have faith in them, this athletics department, and the university, and I eagerly anticipate fostering relationships with our players while aiding their ongoing development into strong, intelligent, and successful young women. I appreciate Coach Tomić’s trust in me and feel fortunate to advance in our careers together. The passion for this university is evident, and I look forward to engaging more with our community. Go Bearcats!”

During her time there, she was instrumental in leading the Falcons to numerous championships, including three MAC regular season titles (2017, 2018, 2024) and two MAC Tournament championships (2020-21, 2022) which resulted in NCAA Tournament appearances. The program also achieved five consecutive appearances in the MAC Tournament Championship (2019-2023), marking the longest streak in over a decade.

Prior to her tenure at BGSU, Cooke served as a volunteer assistant coach at Duke (2015-2017), assisting the Blue Devils in attaining back-to-back winning seasons, including a 21-9 record in 2016.

As a player, she was an exceptional setter at Wingate, guiding the Bulldogs to three NCAA Elite Eight appearances while receiving two AVCA All-American accolades. A resident of Davidson, N.C., Cooke possesses a psychology degree from Wingate and a master’s in coaching and athletic administration from Concordia University Irvine.

// SEAN DREXL

Drexl joins the volleyball team at the University of Cincinnati after collaborating with Coach Tomić as the Director of Operations at Bowling Green for the past two seasons.

“I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Coach Tomić for the opportunity to be part of the University of Cincinnati’s volleyball team,” stated Drexl. “Her steadfast commitment to the growth and success of her athletes, staff, and the program as a whole is evident. I am extremely eager to assist Coach Tomić in enhancing Cincinnati volleyball’s standing within the Big 12 Conference and the community as well.”

Throughout his time there, he played a role in the Falcons’ historic 2024 season, which featured a 25-10 record, a MAC Championship, and an NIVC Runner-Up result.

Before joining BGSU, Drexl was an assistant coach at Presbyterian College and Georgia Southern, where he focused on scouting, film analysis, statistical insights, and match preparations.

His coaching journey began as the U16 head coach for MVP Academy in Florida while he participated in collegiate play as a libero at the University of Charleston. A selection for the 2021 All-Conference EIVA Second Team, Drexl earned his bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Charleston.