The fall of 2008 marks the start of Benning's 11th season as head women's soccer coach at Grinnell College. Under her direction, Grinnell has compiled an impressive 112-53-10 record and qualified for the NCAA Tournament in 1999, 2004, 2005, and 2006. Benning holds a 72-14-4 mark in Midwest Conference play, while guiding the Pioneers to four Midwest Conference titles (1999, 2003, 2005, and 2006).

Benning began her coaching career in 1993 when she served as the assistant varsity and head junior varsity soccer coach at Kennedy High School (Cedar Rapids, Iowa), while attending Cornell College (Mt. Vernon, Iowa). After transferring to Grinnell College in the fall of 1994, she completed her collegiate eligibility and then transitioned into the assistant coaching position (1995-1998). Meanwhile she enrolled at the University of Iowa where she obtained a M.A. in Sport, Health, Leisure and Physical Studies. Benning concentrated her graduate studies in the areas of sport psychology and athletic management.

She holds the NSCAA National Coaching Diploma and is the chair of the NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Committee.

In addition to overseeing the women's soccer program, Benning acts as the Senior Woman Administrator and Assistant Director of Athletics. She also is an Assistant Professor of Physical Education teaching such courses as Coaching Methods, Psychology of Sport, Power walking, Training for Your First 5K, Beginning weightlifting and General conditioning.