Joined the WWU coaching staff as an assistant coach in January 2020.
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.
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.
