All-American Laura DeBruler Named Volleyball Assistant Coach

35641 — Laura DeBruler joins the BGSU
Volleyball program.

Bowling Green, Ohio – Former first team All-American Laura DeBruler has been named an assistant volleyball coach, Bowling Green State University head coach Danijela Tomic announced today. DeBruler comes to BGSU after spending the past two seasons as an assistant coach at Western Illinois.

"I am thrilled to announce the addition of Laura to my coaching staff," Tomic said. "She is an up-and-coming coach who is an excellent fit for our program and will make us better. This search attracted a very strong pool of candidates, but Laura's love and passion for the game and for coaching were obvious from the first time we spoke. In addition, her character, values and philosophy on mentoring young women align with mine. She will be a great role model for our student-athletes because she had an outstanding collegiate career while competing at the highest level. She knows what it takes to be a champion."

A 2009 first team All-American, DeBruler is the Illinois' all-time leader in kills with 1,833. She was an eight-time Big Ten Player of the Week, a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection and a two-time All-Big Ten performer. She led Illinois to three consecutive appearances in the NCAA Sweet 16 and finished her career as the school's all-time attacks leader (4,806) and eighth on the all-time digs list (1,117) to go with her 1,833 career kills.

Ironically, DeBruler made her collegiate debut against Bowling Green, recording 28 kills, 11 digs and a .323 attack percentage in a four-set loss to the Falcons.

DeBruler went on to play professionally in Switzerland for NUC Volleyball Club, competing in National A League, the highest in the country. She returned to serve as a volunteer assistant coach at Illinois during the 2012 season, providing input at practices and competition, while assisting with video and statistical breakdown.

DeBruler then spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Western Illinois, helping to guide the team to the Summit League Conference Tournament in 2013 for the first time in six years. In her job with the Leathernecks, she worked in all aspects of the program including recruiting, training and development, scouting and monitoring academic progress. DeBruler graduated from Illinois in 2011 with a bachelor's degree in psychology.

"I would like to thank Lesley Irvine, Danijela Tomic and the rest of the search committee for this incredible opportunity to be a part of the BGSU family," DeBruler said. "After visiting BGSU and talking with the coaching staff and team, I knew this was the place for me. With the support from the community, the university's resources and the pride associated with BGSU, there is no question that this is a special institution. I'm very excited about the future of the volleyball program and I can't wait to get to work!"

DeBruler will join a BGSU program beginning its fourth year under Tomic in 2015. The 2014 team had just two seniors and no juniors and the 2015 squad will be an experienced, yet youthful team. Among nine returners is junior-to-be Jelena Sunjic, a first team All-MAC player this past fall despite missing almost all of the non-conference schedule with an injury. Tomic has also announced a five-person signing class that should provide depth and competition for playing time immediately.

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