Benzing joins Drake cross- country and track and field staffs after decorated athletic career at NAIA Dordt University. Walked on for the Defenders and competed for five seasons in Sioux Center. Member of two-time GPAC runner-up team and three-time GPAC championship team. Benzing’s Dordt teams finished as high as eighth at cross country nationals and made the podium on three different occasions in indoor track.
She previously coached as a volunteer with the cross-country teams at Norwalk High School in 2022.
"Starting my coaching career at a place like Drake University is a special opportunity," Benzing said. "The stadium holds some of the richest history in track and field, and there's no sweeter sound to my track-loving ears than Mike Jay's voice on home meet day. The distance athletes here have a huge amount of grit to train hard and race smart. What a joy it is to get to support them along the way, which includes sharing many miles with the ladies. I'm very thankful to be a member of this team and to join the atmosphere of collegiate athletics again."
Benzing is currently part of the Fitness Sports Distance Project Elite team. She intends to compete at road race events this year such as the Shamrock Shuffle 8k in Chicago, the Drake Road Races 10k, the Grand Blue Mile, and the IMT Half Marathon in Des Moines.
