HARTSVILLE, S.C. - Brittany Bennett has been hired as Coker University's next head softball coach, announced today (Wednesday, June 15) by Vice President of Athletics and Athletic Facilities Dr. Lynn Griffin. 

"We are excited to welcome Coach Bennett to Coker to lead our softball program," said Griffin.  "I have had the privilege of watching her develop and grow the UNCP softball program the last nine years, athletically and academically, and I know she will continue the success of the Coker program."

Bennett comes to Coker after spending the last nine years at fellow Division II UNC Pembroke, where she amassed over 200 career wins. Under Bennett, the Braves advanced to the Peach Belt Conference tournament semifinals in 2021, while she was named PBC Coach of the Year. In Bennett's tenure, UNCP softball has landed two on the Schutt Sports/National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Division II National Player of the Year Top 25 list, while having one as a finalist for the award. UNCP has also boasted two NFCA All-Americans, 24 All-Conference players and 19 conference Players of the Week. UNCP  achieved a team grade point average of at least 3.2 every year under Bennett. Prior to UNC Pembroke, Bennet served as an assistant coach at Georgia College and State University (2011-13), Lynn University (2008-11), UNC Wilmington (2007-08), University of Mount Olive (2006-07) and Southern Arkansas University (2004-06). 

Bennett has also served on numerous national committees during her coaching career. She served as the Southeast region representative on the NFCA All-American Committee (2018-21), the NCAA Head Coaches Committee(2016-19), was the special advisor to the NCAA Head Coaches Committee (2019-22), served on the Peach Belt Conference Mentorship Committee (2020-21), the NFCA Ethics Committee (2015), NFCA Regional Advisory Committee (2021-22), the NFCA Mentoring Program (2019-22) and Women Leader in Sports (2021-Present). 

"As soon as I stepped on campus, I could feel the pride Coker University has for its student-athletes," said Bennett. "I look forward to bringing back competitive softball at Coker and in the South Atlantic Conference. Dr. Griffin and her administration share a vision of where this program is headed, and I know the university and community will be excited with what this program will bring on the field and in the classroom. We can't wait to see you at Saleeby-Stokes Field."

Bennett holds a bachelor's of arts in business administration and computer information systems from Southern Arkansas, as well as a master's of science from Southern Arkansas in kinesiology. 

Bennett has two sons, and currently resides in Laurinburg.