Head Coach Heather Benning '96
Head Coach Heather Benning '96
M. A., 1998, Sport, Health, Leisure and Physical Studies with a concentration of studies in sport psychology and athletic management, University of Iowa
B.A., 1996, History, Grinnell College
Experience
The fall of 2011 marks the start of Benning's 14th season as Head Women's Soccer Coach at Grinnell College. Under her direction, Grinnell has compiled an impressive 139-78-12 record and qualified for the NCAA Tournament in 1999, 2004, 2005, and 2006. Benning holds an 87-24-6 mark in Midwest Conference play, while guiding the Pioneers to four Midwest Conference titles (1999, 2003, 2005, and 2006).
Benning has served on the NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Committee, a group she chaired from 2005-2006. In this role she directed the NCAA championship tournament selection process, acted as an NCAA administrator at regional championship matches and oversaw the national championship tournament. Benning received her national coaching diploma from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) in 2000, as well as the goalkeeping institute diploma (2000).
In addition to overseeing the women's soccer program, Benning is an Assistant Director of Athletics and is the Senior Woman Administrator. She is responsible for NCAA and Midwest Conference compliance and supervises multiple varsity sports, athletic training and intramurals. Benning serves as the Athletics liaison to Student Affairs and the Accessibility Committee. She is a 2003 graduate of the NACWAA/HERS Institute for Administrative Advancement and received the NACWAA LEI diploma in 2009.
Promoted to Associate Professor of Physical Education in the spring of 2011, Benning list of courses includes: Organization and Administration of Athletics, Coaching Methods, Psychology of Sport, Power walking, Training for Your First 5K, Beginning Weightlifting and General Conditioning.
Assistant Coach:
