Western Washington University head softball coach Sheryl Gilmore has announced that former All-American player Emily Benson has joined the coaching staff for the 2020 season as an assistant coach.
 
Benson is the most decorated player in WWU Softball history, ending her storied career in 2019 as a Second Team NFCA All-American. During her four-year playing career from 2015-2019, Benson set nearly every offensive record in program history and was a three-time First Team All-GNAC selection.
 
"I couldn't be more excited about Emily joining the coaching staff," said Gilmore. "She left her legacy here forever as an unbelievable student-athlete and an even better teammate, and I can't wait to watch her continue to build this program as a coach. Her vast knowledge of the game, her selfless servant leadership style and her contagious energy will undoubtedly help grow WWU Softball. Emily embodies the values of our program and has so much to share and teach both on and off the field. Her work ethic is unmatched and she is a true culture builder. We are extremely lucky to have her."
 
As a senior in 2019, Benson was a top 10 finalist for the national player of the year award and was selected as the GNAC and West Region Player of the Year. She set WWU single-season records in batting average (.448/56-for-125), slugging percentage (.896), on-base percentage (.567), home runs (14) and extra-base hits (27).
 
In 188 career games, Benson became WWU's all-time leader in batting average (.377), slugging percentage (.692), on-base percentage (.477), home runs (45), RBI (156), hits (208), walks (104) and extra-base hits (82). She also tied the Great Northwest Athletic Conference all-time record for home runs.
 
Benson joins the Gilmore in her second season as head coach of the Vikings after going 27-18, 16-12 GNAC in 2019. Former Vikings Carlie Richards and Shearyna Labasan are also on staff as assistant coaches for the 2020 season.
 
In addition to her All-American playing career, Benson has worked at D-Bat Columbia Basin as a full-time softball instructor and coached the Washington Angels 18-Gold team in the summer and fall of 2019.
 
Benson takes over for Amanda Flores, who left the assistant coaching position to pursue other professional opportunities.
 
"Flo positively impacted all of us and she will be greatly missed," said Gilmore. "I sincerely appreciate everything she has done for our players, for our program and for me. We all wish her nothing but the best in the exciting things she has coming up in her life."
 
The Vikings are scheduled to open the 2020 season with five games in the Concordia Kickoff Classic in Irvine, California January 31-February 2. WWU will play Cal State San Marcos and Chico State on the opening day of the season.