DURHAM, N.C. – Duke volleyball head coach Jolene Nagel has announced the addition of CJ Hunter and Alison Cooke to the Blue Devil staff. Hunter will take over as Director of Volleyball Operations while Cooke will serve as a volunteer assistant coach.
Hunter rejoins the Blue Devils after completing his Master of Arts in Exercise & Sport Science at the University of North Carolina. A 2013 Duke graduate, Hunter served as the Blue Devils' student manager during all four of his undergraduate years in Durham. Prior to his return to Duke, the Mount Airy, N.C., native spent a year on the Athletics Communications staff at UNC, covering the Tar Heel volleyball program. In addition, Hunter has coached in the Triangle Volleyball Club since 2013.
“We are thrilled to welcome CJ Hunter back to Duke and our volleyball program,” said Nagel. “CJ is passionate about Duke and talented on many levels. His knowledge of Duke and volleyball as well as his familiarity with our staff have allowed him to hit the ground running. CJ is someone who goes above and beyond and his contributions will enhance our student athletes' experiences.”
A setter on the Wingate volleyball team from 2010-14, Cooke begins her first season with the Blue Devils. Cooke led the Bulldogs to a sweep of the South Atlantic Conference's regular season and tournament titles in 2014, earning first team All-SAC, AVCA all-region and third team AVCA All-America honors while guiding Wingate to its third straight appearance in the NCAA Division II Elite Eight. She led the league with a 10.50 assists per set average, running a Wingate offense that finished in the top 20 nationally in kills per set, assists per set and hitting percentage.
“We're delighted to have Alison Cooke join our coaching staff,” Nagel said. “Alison had a very successful undergraduate playing career as a setter and we look for her to help us develop consistency in our setting for this team. We are fortunate to have someone with her talents join us and we are excited to help her launch her coaching career.”
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