Beth Dunkenberger
Assistant Coach

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.
Okay, maybe this old saying doesn't quite apply to Florida's assistant coach Beth Dunkenberger, who enters her third season with the Lady Gators. Dunkenberger joined the Florida staff after nine seasons as an assistant at Virginia Tech, during which time she served as head coach for two games. The second of those outings, ironically enough, came on Dec. 20, 1996, versus none other than the Lady Gators, which Florida won 65-48.
She coaches the guards, in addition to coordinating the team's scouting efforts, preparing the schedule and directing all summer camps.
Dunkenberger brought a winning background to Gainesville, as she helped lead Virginia Tech to the 1994 and 1995 NCAA Championships, the first two appearances in school history.
"Beth has been a tremendous addition to our staff since the moment she stepped foot in Gainesville," coach Carol Ross said. "On the court she does a great job with the guards. She's got a great sense of humor, which during the ups and downs of a season, can be very welcomed."
The 1988 Randolph-Macon College graduate held several different positions during her nine years at Virginia Tech. Dunkenberger arrived in Blacksburg as a graduate assistant in 1988. After graduating with her master's degree in Sports Management in 1990, Dunkenberger was promoted to assistant coach, a spot she held until 1993.
Her final two years at Virginia Tech, Dunkenberger served as head coach Carol Alfano's first assistant, where her primary responsibilities were coordinating recruiting and floor coaching. As recruiting coordinator, she brought the Virginia Tech women's program into the computer age by introducing a comprehensive computerized recruiting system. Three out of four of Dunkenberger's recruiting classes received an Honorable Mention ranking by the Blue Star Top 20 Recruiting Service. As a floor coach, Dunkenberger helped lead the Hokies not only to two NCAA Tournaments, but also to the Metro Tournament Championship in 1994 and the Metro Conference Regular Season Championship in 1995.
Dunkenberger enjoyed a successful career both on and off the basketball court at Randolph-Macon College, where she graduated Cum Laude in 1988 with a B.S. in mathematics. She was a 1988 District III Academic All-American and received the Compton Award as the school's top senior female athlete.
Dunkenberger, a native of Shawsville, Va., is the proud aunt of Will, Alex and Jack.

"Beth has been a tremendous addition to our staff since the moment she stepped foot in Gainesville. She has a terrific rapport with the players. She's got a great sense of humor which, during the ups and downs of a season, can be very welcomed."
- Carol Ross

Coach Dunkenberger at a Glance
Florida's record with Dunkenberger on the sideline: 42-23 (two years)
As a player: A 5-8 guard at Randolph-Macon College, 1984-88
Previous coaching experience: Virginia Tech assistant coach, 1988-97
Birthdate: Sept. 4, 1966
Hometown: Shawsville, Va.
Education: Randolph-Macon College (B.S. in Mathematics, 1988) Virginia Tech (Master's in Sports Management, 1990)
Of Interest:
*This will be her 12th season coaching on the collegiate level
* Spent nine years on the sidelines at Virginia Tech
* Graduated Cum Laude from Randolph-Macon