By CINDY CROSBY
Dani Aquino has been named head women’s volleyball coach for the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie. Acquino takes over the program following the resignation of Coach Alexis Ivey, whose resignation was effective June 30. Ivey, who led the Lady Indians to a 1-14 season in 2021, recently accepted the head coaching position at Converse College, a four-year, NCAA Division II program located in Spartanburg.
According to a University of South Carolina Salkehatchie press release dated Monday July 11, from Stephanie Gruber, coordinator of communications and marketing, Aquino has over 14 years head coaching experience, both at the club and high school levels.
Most recently, she served as head coach for the Palmetto Strikers volleyball club in Charleston. Aquino also served as an assistant coach for Stonehill College, a competitive Division II team in the NE10 league, where she specialized in individualized instruction and recruiting.
The Massachusetts native is a five-sport, high school athlete who went on to play volleyball, lacrosse, and rugby at Southern Maine University.
After receiving her degree in political science, Aquino played in the New England Yankee circuit. In addition to coaching, Aquino contributes as a sportswriter for Stack Magazine, staffing the volleyball, lacrosse, and sports nutrition desks.
“I am thrilled to be joining the USC Salkehatchie volleyball program,” Aquino said. “I look forward to sharing my passion and experience with the athletes in hopes of motivating them to achieve their greatest goals.”
Jeremy Joye, director of Salkehatchie Athletics, said, “Dani brings a plethora of knowledge and enthusiasm to USC Salkehatchie. I believe that the volleyball program will thrive under her leadership, and we are very excited to have her on board.”
Currently, Salkehatchie is also searching to fill the head men’s basketball coaching position after the resignation of Kyle Lawson.
Lawson took over the position in mid-May but resigned unexpectedly at the end of June. Salkehatchie is also advertising for a head cross country coach.
