Alex Dehner Joins Florida Coaching Staff; Laurent Perez Gillooly Promoted to Assistant Diving Coach
Alex Dehner returns to the Gators as an Assistant Coach after his stint at Windermere Prep; Perez Gillooly named Assistant Diving Coach after five seasons at Florida
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University of Florida’s men’s and women’s swimming & diving programs announced two staff changes on Thursday, with the addition of Alex Dehner and the promotion of Laurent Perez Gillooly.
Dehner comes to the Gators after serving as Head Coach at Windermere Prep since 2017. This past season, the Tallahassee, Fla. native led the girls’ swimming team to the program’s first District and Regional Championship. He also currently serves as the Director of the Lakers Aquatic Club in addition to his role as the head swimming and diving coach.
He donned the Orange & Blue at Florida from 2013-15, where he earned two Academic All-America honors and was selected to the SEC Honor Roll twice.
“I have always dreamed of being a Gator, lived it as an athlete, and am excited to get to do it again,” said Dehner. “It’s been an incredible few years gaining experience and wisdom from working alongside the best of the best in the club coaching world. I am honored to transition to working with the best collegiate staff in the world. Go Gators!”
Following the 2014-15 season, Dehner retired from swimming, but served as a Volunteer Coach for the Gators while earning his degree in Sustainability Studies with a minor in Zoology. He also served as the Head Age Group Coach for USA Swimming Gold Medal Club and was the Senior Assistant Coach.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Alex to our coaching staff,” said Head Coach Anthony Nesty. “Alex returns to Gainesville as a former student-athlete and volunteer coach here at Florida. He clearly understands the Gator Way and is thrilled to join our staff! He has been a successful club coach and will bring some great experience to the table. Alex will be a tremendous addition to the team will contribute positively immediately upon his arrival. He is an excellent fit.”
After serving as the Volunteer Diving Coach since the 2018-19 season, Perez Gillooly was promoted to Assistant Diving Coach on Thursday.
“I feel very grateful for this opportunity,” said Perez Gillooly. “This new position allows me to help these student-athletes as well as this program in so many more ways. I greatly appreciate the continued support from the other coaches and the administration. And a special thank you to Mike Spiegler for always ensuring that this team will continue to stay on top! Go Gators!”
During her first five seasons at Florida, Perez Gillooly tutored five All-Americans to 15 honors. Most recently under her instruction, Maha Amer was tabbed as the SEC Female Diver of the Year in 2022 and both Amer and Leonardo Garcia were named to the All-SEC Second Team in 2023.
Perez Gillooly also helped train Ashley McCool, Brooke Madden and Aton Svirskyi, who combined for eight All-America accolades during their time at Florida
“I am thrilled to have Laurent with the team full time now,” said Diving Head Coach Bryan Gillooly. “She has been a tremendous asset as a volunteer and will be able to contribute much more in her new role. Once again the UAA and Coach Nesty have gone above and beyond in its support of the student athletes and staff.”
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