To do this assignment I connected with Danielle Cohea. I was able to reach out to her through email. I was able to learn a lot about her and her time in athletics and this is what I learned. Danielle Cohea is a Senior Associate Athletics Director of Compliance, Conduct, & Regulatory Affairs, at Old Dominion University she returned to her alma mater, Old Dominion University, in 2022 to take on the role of Senior Associate Athletics Director of Compliance, Conduct, & Regulatory Affairs. For Danielle, coming back to ODU where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees was more than just a new job; it was a full circle moment in a career built on supporting student athletes and maintaining the integrity of college athletics.
Before Danielle made her way back to ODU, Danielle spent 12 years at Cleveland State University, where she took on increasingly senior roles within the athletics department. Starting as a Compliance Specialist in 2007, she moved up to Assistant AD for Compliance in 2012, and then to Associate AD for Compliance and Operations in 2016. She was responsible for managing all aspects of compliance for 18 Division I teams, working closely with over 350 student-athletes and 70 staff members. She also oversaw athletic financial aid, National Letters of Intent, grant renewals, and administered NCAA funds.
Danielle has always made it a point to collaborate with campus and conference partners. She served as the primary liaison to the NCAA and key campus offices like admissions, housing, financial aid, and the registrar. She also chaired the Horizon League Compliance and NCAA Legislative Committees for two years each, contributing to policy conversations at the conference level.
Her C. She is also a longtime member of the National Association for Athletics Compliance and the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators and participated in the NACADA Academic Institute in 2008.
At the heart of Danielle’s work is a passion for student-athlete support and a deep commitment to doing things the right way. Being back at Old Dominion where it all started has given her the opportunity to pour that experience and energy back into the community that helped shape her path.
