Press Release courtesy of Arkansas Tech Athletics
Kera Dukic, a former all-conference and all-region selection as a player at Arkansas Tech, has been named the 10th head volleyball coach in Arkansas Tech history, Director of Athletics Steve Mullins announced Friday.
“I am excited to welcome Kera Dukic back to Arkansas Tech,” said Mullins. “Kera was an exceptional player here and has carried that success into her coaching career. We are excited that she is coming home to help continue the great tradition of Golden Suns volleyball.”
Dukic spent the 2018 season as the head coach at St. Thomas University in Miami, Fla. In her lone season at the helm of the Bobcats program, she led her team to a 19-12 record, with a 15-1 record in conference play en route to the Sun Conference championship.
Under her tutelage, Whitney Battoe was named all-America and The Sun Conference Player of the Year. Three Bobcats were named to the all-conference first team, while her team matched its on-court success with academic success as seven players were named Academic All-Sun Conference.
Prior to her stint at St. Thomas, Dukic spent three seasons as an assistant coach at Central Region rival Central Oklahoma. During her three-year tenure at UCO, the Bronchos went a combined 89-14, with six players earning all-conference honors and one player earning All-America honors in her final season.
Dukic started her coaching career at Arkansas Tech as a graduate assistant under former head coach Kristy Bayer. During her three years on Bayer’s staff, Dukic helped the Golden Suns go 87-26, winning two conference titles and advancing to two NCAA tournaments. Dukic earned two all-Gulf South Conference honors during her playing career and was named Daktronics Second Team All-Region as a senior. She was awarded the NCAA Division II Degree Completion Award in 2011.
As a standout setter at Arkansas Tech, Dukic was a part of two league championship teams. She finished her career with 2,693 career assists, ranking fifth all-time in program history.
“I’m extremely excited and thankful for this opportunity to be the new head volleyball coach at my alma mater,” said Dukic. “This job is very much a dream job for me as my career here as a student-athlete and graduate assistant coach was an incredible experience that only furthered my passion for coaching volleyball. I’m looking forward to being back around the wonderful people of Arkansas Tech and the community.”
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT KERA DUKIC
“Even as a player, I knew she’d be a great coach. She has a passion for the game and teaching others. From player, to assistant coach, to head coach, success has followed her. That’s not by coincidence. I am excited to watch her success now at Arkansas Tech.”
Kristy Bayer, Arkansas Tech Head Volleyball Coach 2004-2017
“She’s a reliable and professional person and more importantly a hard-working coach. I have no doubt she will be successful in her new role. I’m very happy she is getting an opportunity to do what she loves at her alma mater.”
Edgar Miraku, Central Oklahoma Head Volleyball Coach
“As an invested and proud Arkansas Tech volleyball alumna, I’m thrilled to see Kera Dukic take over the Arkansas Tech volleyball program. I’ve seen Coach Dukic grow from an outstanding student-athlete, to an assistant coach at a top-25 ranked Division 2 program, to winning a conference title in her first year as a head coach. As Kristy Bayer leaves an incredible legacy, I have no doubt that Tech is in good hands with Coach Dukic.”
Laura Farney, Texas Women’s University Assistant Volleyball Coach and former Golden Suns player/graduate assistant
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