In athletics, assistant coaches are extremely important. They handle schedules, run practices, and do a lot of the behind-the-scenes work. For Tennessee State Head Volleyball Coach Donika Sutton, her two assistants Vicmari (Vic) Cockrill and Michaela Ping make her life easier and are essential to her program.

"Our two assistants are great hires," said Sutton. "Vic played here, and I knew that she was eager to get back. Her approach is relentless, and she knows her way around campus. Michaela is fresh out of college so she can relate with the players plus she has coached at the club level. They both bring different things to the program that are needed. The players buy in to what they say, and we have seen a big difference."

Cockrill got to TSU in 2008. The native of Puerto Rico established herself as a tough player from the beginning. Both seasons that she competed here, she led the team in hitting percentage. Her senior season she finished with an impressive .317 average. In 2011, she was named a graduate assistant. In 2013, Cockrill was elevated to assistant coach and served in that position for seven seasons. After taking a year off, she is back coaching. 

Sutton has three players (Gina Rivera-Ortiz, Sofia Garcia-Guerrios and Alondra Santana-Rodriguez) from Puerto Rico and one player (Johanna Alcantara) from the Dominican Republic. This has made Cockrill an important piece to the staff. Her roots help her in relating to the players.

"It's challenging because I feel like I went through the same things that they are going through," said Cockrill. The language barrier or just being away from home are tough. With me being here it gives them a comfort zone. I am happy to be back and love what I do."

Ping starred at middle blocker at Ashland (IL.) University. Her coaching career started in November of 2021 with Club Fusion Volleyball where she also served as the assistant director of social media and marketing. Her background helps her approach in the visual spectacle of volleyball. She also has human resource experience that helps her manage well. Not having an HBCU background can be challenging but for Ping, she is enjoying what comes with it.

"I'm so excited about the culture here," said Ping. Everyone is friendly and passionate about what they do. Everyone has each other's back. There is no question about where our loyalties are."