Ann Alyanak was named head coach of the women's cross country program on May 6, 2004. Alyanak also serves as an assistant track and field coach, working primarily with the distance runners. She is the first full-time distance coach at UD.

A Bluffton, Ohio native, she spent the 2003 season as a graduate assistant coach with the Flyers. Immediately after the season Alyanak took over for George Brose, who retired after five seasons.

Prior to beginning her coaching career, Alyanak was a 2001 graduate of Purdue University where she was a standout cross country and track runner for the Boilermakers. During each of her four years she was named cross country team MVP, earning All-Region honors in 1999-2000. In track, Alyanak was an NCAA qualifier in the 10,000 meters after winning the Big Ten title as a senior. She also set the school record in the 5000 meters and placed second at the Big Ten Championship.

Currently training to qualify for a berth in the 2008 Olympic games, Alyanak has been participating in a number of high profile marathons. Most recently she traveled to Osaka, Japan for the IAAF World Championships where Alyanak placed first among American women and 31st overall. At the Boston Marathon in April, Alyanak was ninth in the women's division. She was the second American woman to cross the line.

Along with her running and coaching responsibilities, Alyanak is also currently pursuing her master's degree in exercise science from UD.

She currently resides in Beavercreek, Ohio with her husband Ed, who is an assistant coach for the Flyers.