(Ann Arbor, MI) The Concordia University Ann Arbor (CUAA) athletic department announces the promotion of Danielle Cook as the head coach of the volleyball program effective immediately.
Cook previously served as the Associate Head Coach the past two seasons for the Cardinals volleyball program. Cook has also served as the Resident Director in CUAA's Student Life Office for the past five years.
"Danielle is a great fit to be our head volleyball coach," said Athletic Director Lonnie Pries. "She has a desire to invest in our student-athletes and help them improve as volleyball players, but more so as young women. We are confident that our volleyball players will have a great experience under her leadership."
Cook was a standout student-athlete during her time as a four year starter ('08-'11) for the Cardinals. Cook currently holds four top 10 career records with 1,033 blocks (3rd), 140 block assists (T-8th), 164 total blocks (10th), and 1,469 digs (6th). As an elementary education major and early childhood minor, Cook also exceled in the classroom being named NAIA Academic All-American and WHAC All-Academic as a junior and senior. Cook was a two-time captain for the Cardinals and also won the WHAC Champions of Character Award.
Cook believes her familiarity and extensive history with the Concordia community will allow her to transition smoothly to the new position. "I am invested in Concordia University's mission and the mission of the Cardinals athletic department. I'm excited to continue my journey here in this new role," said Cook. "Being a part of the Concordia volleyball program for a number of years, both as a player and a coach, I truly understand the culture of both the program and the University. I think that will allow me to step into the position and hit the ground running."
Pries also believes Cook's background will continue to be an added benefit to her coaching career. "Danielle's background as a Concordia alum, volleyball player, assistant coach, and resident director, will give her an advantage as a new head coach as she is familiar with what makes Concordia unique compared to other institutions," said Pries.
Coming off a 3-26 season, Cook believes that a strong core group of returners will allow the program to take strides forward. "We are obviously coming off a down year as a program as far as wins and losses, but we were a young team, so I'm excited to enter the season with a strong core of returners."
Cook will continue to prioritize the goals and missions of the institution and athletic department with producing student athletes of integrity who seek to put Christ first in everything. Cook looks forward to integrating a focus on student-athletes' holistic development (physically, mentally, and spiritually) into the program so that they are prepared to impact the world in a positive way when they graduate from Concordia.
Pries reiterated that the goals and expectations of the volleyball program will remain the same. "Moving forward, the expectations for the volleyball program are the same as they are for all of our athletic programs," said Pries. "We want the program to be competitive on the court, but more than that are the goals for our volleyball players to have grown as women and taken next steps in their relationship with Jesus during their time here at Concordia."
Cook is originally from Lambertville, MI and was prepped at Bedford Senior High School. Danielle is married to CUAA alum, Austin Cook ('11) and they have a son, Isaiah.
