DES MOINES, Iowa – Drake head volleyball coach Darrin McBroom added to the Bulldogs' historic 2022-23 year with another individual award. McBroom was honored as the winner of the FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) Jay and Annette Cookman Heart of a Coach Award.
 
"At the heart of the FCA are coaches," FCA area representative Dave Applegate said, "[they are] some of the most influential people in our society today. It has been said that one coach will influence more people in one year than most will do in a lifetime."
 
"Our award is presented annually to a coach who exemplifies the truest spirit," Applegate continued, "And Darrin has over his year at Drake. He has invited FCA Character Coaches to be a part of his program, been a coach at FCA camps in Pella, and has been a regular speaker at our Drake huddles. [Coach McBroom] has really used his influence as a coach to build character in this player, helping them become impactful young women involved in their community and who make a real difference in the world."
 
McBroom adds this personal honor to Drake's decorated year as the Bulldogs won a school-record 30 games and coached the team to runner-up finishes in both the MVC Tournament and NIVC.
 
One of the Heart of a Coach Award namesakes, Jay Cookman, was a 1960 graduate of Drake University and was a member of the football program including the 1957 Sun Bowl team. The Cookman family has been proud supporters of various teams within Drake athletics department.