Men's Soccer: Head Coach Rick Benben Retires After 22 Seasons
12/2/2019 11:10:00 AM | Men's Soccer
KANSAS CITY, Mo. --Â A dedicated leader, teacher and mentor to hundreds of young men, Kansas City Men's Soccer Head Coach Rick Benben announced his retirement today after leading the charge for 22 seasons with the Roos. After his coaching duties are completed December 31, Benben will serve as a special assistant to the athletic director until April 30, 2020.Â
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"We are thankful for Coach Benben's 22 years of service to KC Athletics," said Director of Athletics Dr. Brandon Martin. "Rick has been an exceptional leader and an inspiration to many student-athletes over the years. I congratulate Rick and his family for an illustrious career."
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Benben is the longest tenured and most successful coach in Kansas City Men's Soccer history, with an overall school record of 148-212-42 (.420). He was inducted into the Kansas City Roos Hall of Fame in 2012.Â
"The last 22 seasons have been some of the most enjoyable of my career," said coach Benben. "I am proud of the men I've been able to recruit and coach, the support we've attracted, and our performance against teams throughout the country. The team I leave behind is talented and cohesive – a reflection of their promise, individually for life and together as a team."Â
Benben, the fourth head coach in the Division I era at Kansas City, has had more than 103 student-athletes earn all-league recognition and 17 players be named to all-region squads. Postseason play has been a norm in Benben's career, guiding the Roos to the league tournament in 16 of his 22 seasons on the sidelines. His teams have claimed seven conference championships (four regular-season; three tournaments) and made three trips to the NCAA Tournament (2001, 2003, 2008).
"Like the great game of soccer, coaching is a team sport," said Benben. "These markers represent our (past players, past coaches, current players, and current coaches) hard work and long-term dedication to the program and our community. We accomplished this and so much more with our commitment to education, playing well and extensive community involvement. Our efforts are leaving a legacy of success that puts the Kansas City Roos Men's Soccer program in a great place moving forward."
This past season, Benben guided the Roos to the Western Athletic Conference Tournament after a 5-6-0 conference record. Junior transfer Ryan Khedoo earned Second Team All-WAC honors, while freshman Kevin Komodi and Aiden Cavanaugh earned All-WAC Freshman Team honors.Â
Not only has coach Benben been a leader and mentor to his players, but also to his former assistant coaches, helping lead some of them to current professional, D1, D2 and NAIA head coaching positions.Â
"Finally, I want to thank my amazing wife Meg," said Benben. "Her belief in me and in everyone associated with Kansas City Soccer was and is extraordinary. She has shown her love for me and for all our players and coaching staff in countless ways."Â
Coach Benben will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to Kansas City Men's Soccer and for his tireless work in and around Kansas City.
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"We are thankful for Coach Benben's 22 years of service to KC Athletics," said Director of Athletics Dr. Brandon Martin. "Rick has been an exceptional leader and an inspiration to many student-athletes over the years. I congratulate Rick and his family for an illustrious career."
Â
Benben is the longest tenured and most successful coach in Kansas City Men's Soccer history, with an overall school record of 148-212-42 (.420). He was inducted into the Kansas City Roos Hall of Fame in 2012.Â
"The last 22 seasons have been some of the most enjoyable of my career," said coach Benben. "I am proud of the men I've been able to recruit and coach, the support we've attracted, and our performance against teams throughout the country. The team I leave behind is talented and cohesive – a reflection of their promise, individually for life and together as a team."Â
Benben, the fourth head coach in the Division I era at Kansas City, has had more than 103 student-athletes earn all-league recognition and 17 players be named to all-region squads. Postseason play has been a norm in Benben's career, guiding the Roos to the league tournament in 16 of his 22 seasons on the sidelines. His teams have claimed seven conference championships (four regular-season; three tournaments) and made three trips to the NCAA Tournament (2001, 2003, 2008).
"Like the great game of soccer, coaching is a team sport," said Benben. "These markers represent our (past players, past coaches, current players, and current coaches) hard work and long-term dedication to the program and our community. We accomplished this and so much more with our commitment to education, playing well and extensive community involvement. Our efforts are leaving a legacy of success that puts the Kansas City Roos Men's Soccer program in a great place moving forward."
This past season, Benben guided the Roos to the Western Athletic Conference Tournament after a 5-6-0 conference record. Junior transfer Ryan Khedoo earned Second Team All-WAC honors, while freshman Kevin Komodi and Aiden Cavanaugh earned All-WAC Freshman Team honors.Â
Not only has coach Benben been a leader and mentor to his players, but also to his former assistant coaches, helping lead some of them to current professional, D1, D2 and NAIA head coaching positions.Â
"Finally, I want to thank my amazing wife Meg," said Benben. "Her belief in me and in everyone associated with Kansas City Soccer was and is extraordinary. She has shown her love for me and for all our players and coaching staff in countless ways."Â
Coach Benben will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to Kansas City Men's Soccer and for his tireless work in and around Kansas City.
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Players Mentioned
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