BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - Bowling Green State University head volleyball coach Alex DelPiombo announced two hirings to her staff for the Orange and Brown. DelPiombo and the Falcons will welcome Lukas Pytlak as an assistant coach and Dominic Bennett as the director of volleyball operations. Pytlak returns to the MAC after playing for Ball State while Bennett will join BGSU from Heartland Community College where he served as an assistant coach. 

"We are excited to add Lukas and his perspective as a former player to our program," said DelPiombo. "He brings a great energy and volleyball IQ that comes from his impressive career. His physicality will be a great addition to our staff for training in the gym and we can't wait for him to feel the warm welcome from our Bowling Green community."

"Dominic and the love of volleyball he brings is a welcomed addition in our new position," said DelPiombo. "Since our first meeting, his care and passion for the sport was evident. Having people in our program that love what we do as much as the person next to you makes for a happy and healthy environment. In his short time here, he's already shown how much he will contribute this year and help us operate in an efficient and first-class way. We are very excited to have him join our huddle."

Lukas Pytlak, Assistant Coach
Pytlak is coming off a playing career in volleyball, spending the last five seasons at Ball State. After redshirting as a freshman in 2021, Pytlak went on to play in 89 matches from 2022-25, as well as 326 sets for the Cardinals. He appeared in just three matches in 2022, but went on to play in 86 of the team's 90 matches over the following three seasons, earning the libero role for Ball State.

A native of Lake Zurich, Ill., Pytlak has been a five-time Academic All-Conference recipient and aided the Cardinals to Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA) regular season and tournament titles in 2022, receiving not only a bid to the NCAA Tournament, but an automatic bye to the semifinal round. Over his time in Muncie, Pytlak recorded 284 digs to go along with 110 assists. 

"I am incredibly grateful to join the Bowling Green tradition and stay in the MAC," said Pytlak. "Thank you to Head Coach Alex DelPiombo for the opportunity to join her staff and program. Hearing the vision and passion that she had for the program, I knew that this was the right place to be. I am ready to get to work and contribute to the culture and excellence of this program."

Dominic Bennett, Director of Volleyball Operations 
Bennett will join the Falcons after spending the last season as an assistant coach at Heartland Community College in Normal, Ill. In 2024, Bennett helped coach the Hawks to a 39-8 record on the season, including a third place finish in the NJCAA D-II National Tournament, the first national placement in program history. 

Prior to joining Heartland, Bennett played three seasons at Illinois Wesleyan, being part of the program's inaugural team in 2021. Serving as a setter for the Titans, Bennett earned a letter each of his three seasons while also being a two-time Academic All-Conference honoree. During his tenure at IWU, Bennett appeared in 45 matches and 113 sets, totaling 377 assists, 100 digs and eight aces. While playing, he also served as an assistant coach at Normal Community West High School as well as gaining experience as a youth coach with Illini Elite Volleyball Club. 

"I am so thankful for the opportunity to join the BGSU Volleyball program," said Bennett. "I have always wanted to coach volleyball at the highest level possible so having this opportunity to join BGSU volleyball is a dream come true. I cannot wait to see what lies ahead for our season and to have the ability to learn from the other coaches. A huge thank you to Alex for taking a chance on me. Ay Ziggy!"

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