Athletics Staff | California Intercontinental University

Meet OUR STAFF

Gamal Smalley

Athletic Director

626-394-9080 mbasketball@caluniversity.edu

A proven leader with a championship mindset, Coach Smalley steps in as the Men’s Head Basketball Coach and Athletic Director, bringing years of experience in building winning programs. From NCAA Division II to high school and community college levels, he has transformed teams into contenders, leading multiple squads to CIF-SS Championship appearances and mentoring athletes who went on to play at the highest levels—including the NBA.

Beyond the game, his impact runs deep. With a background in education, leadership, and community wellness, he is committed to developing not just skilled athletes, but strong individuals. His philosophy? “Nurturing the hearts of young people is my passion.”

Phil Brassington

Head Men's Baseball Coach

949-491-4967

mbaseball@caluniversity.edu

A former professional baseball player and seasoned coach, Phil Brassington brings a world-class career and a passion for player development to CIU Athletics. From being a 5th round draft pick for the Kansas City Royals to representing Australia in multiple international tournaments—including the World Baseball Classics and the 1999 Intercontinental Cup—Coach Brassington has played at nearly every level of the game.
Now, he’s taking that experience to the next generation of athletes, focusing on skill, discipline, and a winning mentality both on and off the field. His leadership has shaped players from amateur to professional, and we can’t wait to see his impact here at CIU!

Ivan Todorovic

Head Men's Soccer Coach

562-688-2335

msoccer@caluniversity.edu

Coach Ivan Todorovic brings years of experience at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels, transforming teams into contenders. As a head coach and sports director, he has built programs from the ground up, developed elite players, and led squads to league titles and national recognition. His achievements include guiding Irvine Zeta FC to a UPSL Premier Division Championship, leading California High School to one of the longest winning streaks in state history, and building the first-ever collegiate futsal program in the U.S.
With an impressive playing career that includes winning three league championships at Salem International University and competing at the highest levels in Serbia, Coach Todorovic understands what it takes to win.

Serena Comer

Head Women's Volleyball Coach

657-655-9689

wvolleyball@caluniversity.edu

Serena “Coach Rena” Comer enters her ninth season of coaching with a proven track record of leadership and program development. She has led three high school programs and previously coached at the club and some collegiate levels, including camps for Colorado Christian University and Head Coaching an 18-1s National team at RVC Volleyball Club in Colorado— Amongst several other coaching endeavors.

In addition to her collegiate coaching role, she founded a volleyball training platform dedicated to skill development, discipline, and competitive growth. Her coaching philosophy centers on accountability, structure, and building confident athletes prepared to compete at a high level.

As a former collegiate athlete with six years of collegiate playing experience, Coach Rena earned four conference championship titles — one in indoor and three consecutive beach conference championships. She was also a two-time National semifinalist at the NAIA National Championships reaching the semifinals in back-to-back seasons.

Known for her competitive standard and structured approach to development, Coach Rena is focused on building a disciplined, high-level indoor program at CIU that emphasizes accountability, growth, and a winning culture.

Alex Filipovic

Head Women's Soccer Coach

949-609-5940

wsoccer@caluniversity.edu

Coach Alex Filipovic has over 30 years of coaching experience with club, high school, College and Semi Pro teams. He holds the National B coaching license. Coach Alex built many programs from the ground up. His Girls 2004 ECNL team was one of the best teams in the country. His playing experience is impressive: Youngest ever member of Serbian National Futsal team, San Diego Sockers “Legend” and 2 times National Champion.
Coach Filipovic knows how to build winning teams.

Ru Andrade

Head Women's Softball Coach

562-200-8760

softball@caluniversity.edu

Ru Andrade enters her role as Head Softball Coach at California Intercontinental University with more than 20 years of coaching experience. Prior to joining CIU, Andrade spent nine years as an assistant coach at Fullerton College, where in addition to instructional coaching she oversaw academic support initiatives. During that time, the team earned the highest GPA in the conference and state several times. Andrade was part of multiple conference championship teams, including the 2024 CCCAA State Championship team, and was recognized as part of the NFCA National Coaching Staff of the Year in both 2019 and 2024. As a player, Andrade competed collegiately at Southern Utah University. Known for her commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the field, she brings a strong emphasis on academic achievement and culture as she builds CIU’s inaugural softball program. Off the field, Coach Ru is a proud mother of two college students of her own.