Danijela Tomic Leaves BGSU to Lead the Cincinnati Bearcats Volleyball Program
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – Bowling Green State University (BGSU) volleyball head coach Danijela Tomić has been hired for the same position at the University of Cincinnati. Tomic departs BGSU as the program's second-winningest coach, amassing a 236-161 record and a program-best seven Mid-American Conference (MAC) championships. Her .594 winning percentage is the highest in the 49-year history of the program.
"BGSU has been fortunate to have one of the best coaches in college sports for the last 13 years in Danijela Tomić," said Director of Athletics Derek van der Merwe. "She has had a profound impact on this University community, our alumni and staff, and the student-athletes she has coached. She has redefined how to build and sustain a comprehensive winning program. She has consistently won on and off the court, making everyone part of the 'BGVB' volleyball story!' I am so grateful and honored to have worked and learned from her during my tenure. I wish her the best in this next opportunity."
"As I prepare to take the next step in my coaching journey, my heart is overflowing with love and gratitude for Bowling Green State University and the incredible Falcon community," said Tomić. "Leading and building BGVB into a standard of championship culture has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I am deeply grateful for the loyal staff and the exceptional student-athletes I've had the privilege to coach. They have inspired me and made me better every single day. I will forever cherish our relationships and the memories we have created together.
"I am particularly grateful to President Rogers, Derek van der Merwe, and Stacy Kosciak for their exceptional leadership, unwavering support, and belief in me and our program. Their commitment to excellence has been instrumental in creating an environment where BGSU Volleyball can thrive. I leave with a heart full of pride, love, and gratitude for BGSU and the incredible people who make it so meaningful and special."
"Coach Tomić has played a significant role in building the momentum we see today, not only in the BGSU volleyball program with record-breaking seasons and historic postseason runs, but across BGSU Athletics and the University as a dedicated leader and coach," said BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers. "In her 13 years of service at Bowling Green, she has built a successful program and engaged with our fans in a meaningful way, always committed to our student-athletes and their experiences and opportunities. On behalf of Bowling Green, I want to thank Coach Tomić for all the ways she moved this program and University forward. We wish her all the best as she continues her coaching career."
Tomić led the Falcons for 13 seasons (2012-2024), guiding the team to seven postseason appearances, including the NCAA Tournament in 2012, 2020-21, and 2022. She also led the Falcons to four NIVC appearances (2017, 2018, 2019, and 2024), most recently finishing as runners-up to Arizona. Under her leadership, the Falcons claimed three MAC Tournament titles (2012, 2020-21, and 2022) and four regular-season championships.
During her tenure, Tomić earned MAC Coach of the Year honors three times (2017, 2020-21, 2024). She coached the MAC Player of the Year five times, the MAC Defensive Player of the Year four times, and the MAC Setter of the Year twice. Her players earned 24 first-team All-MAC honors and seven Second-Team All-MAC recognitions.
Academically, Tomić's teams excelled, earning NCAA recognition for an Academic Progress Rate (APR) ranking among the top 10 percent in the country for volleyball. In the past five years, 34 Falcons were named Academic All-MAC or honorable mention. Lindsey Butterfield (2012) and Laura Avila (2013) earned first-team Academic All-District honors, while Erica Fullenkamp (2014) was a second-team Academic All-District selection. The program has also earned the AVCA Team Academic Award for 22 consecutive seasons, the second-longest streak nationally.
Before joining Bowling Green, Tomić spent seven years as head coach at Florida International University, where she compiled a 158-61 record and was named Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year three times.
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