Alex Dehner Joins Florida Staff; Laurent Perez Gillooly Promoted
Alex Dehner was hired to the coaching staff at the University of Florida on Friday, with Laurent Perez Gillooly promoted to assistant diving coach.
Dehner will be an assistant coach next year. He swam at Florida from 2013-15, twice an Academic All-American. The Tallahassee native retired after the 2014-15 season but served as a volunteer coach with the college team and a head age group coach with the club team while finishing his degree in sustainability studies with a minor in zoology.
Since leaving Gainesville, he spent six seasons as the coach of Windermere Prep outside Orlando. He led the girls’ team to the program’s first district and regional championships. He also worked with Lakers Aquatic Club as its director and head swimming and diving coach.
“I have always dreamed of being a Gator, lived it as an athlete, and am excited to get to do it again,” Dehner said in a team statement. “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!”
“We are extremely excited to welcome Alex to our coaching staff,” head coach Anthony Nesty said. “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.”
Perez Gillooly started as a volunteer diving coach with the Gators in 2018-19 and is being elevated to a full assistant. She’s helped guide five All-Americans to 15 All-American honors in her five seasons, including 2022 SEC Female Diver of the Year Maha Amer.
“I feel very grateful for this opportunity,” Perez Gillooly said. “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!”
