Dunkenberger came to Virginia Tech after guiding Western Carolina to a 65-50 record in four seasons. During Dunkenberger's three-year tenure as an assistant coach, the last as recruiting coordinator, at the University of Florida, she helped the Gators to a 63-36 overall record. The Lady Gators advanced to postseason play all three years she was there, with the 1997-98 team making an appearance in the Sweet Sixteen. While in Gainesville, Dunkenberger had the opportunity to help coach five players who are currently, or were previously, on rosters in the WNBA.

Dunkenberger spent nine years (1988-97) on Virginia Tech's staff prior to that. She worked as a graduate assistant for two years before being promoted to a full-time assistant position. She helped lead the Hokies to the 1994 and 1995 NCAA Tournaments, the first two appearances in school history. Dunkenberger not only helped lead Tech to two NCAA Tournaments, but also to the Metro Conference Tournament Championship in 1994 and the Metro Conference regular season championship in 1995. She served three years as recruiting coordinator and was responsible for signing Tere Williams, the first Parade All-American in the school's history.

Dunkenberger graduated cum laude from Randolph-Macon College with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics in 1988. She was named academic all-district as well as all-conference. She continued her education by earning a Master of Science degree in education at Virginia Tech in 1990.