Ryan Bennison begins his 13th season as the head coach of the Bridgewater College men’s soccer program in 2023.  Bennison’s coaching philosophy aims to build a winning culture and to develop high character men both on and off the field.

Coaching at Bridgewater College

All-time winningest coach in program history

Led team to program’s first appearance in an ODAC Championship match (2018)

His teams have set several school records, among them being fewest goals allowed, goals allowed average, and shutouts in a season.

Earned program’s first ever National Team Academic Award

Earned program’s first ever Team Ethics/Sportsmanship Award

Reached ODAC tournament in 10 of 12 seasons

Have beaten several nationally ranked teams

Prior Coaching Experience

Three years top assistant coach at Anderson University

Two years head coach for U16 boys at Hoosier FC in Indiana

Three years high school coach at Ruston High School in Louisiana

Served at numerous youth, team, and college ID camps

Playing Experience

Four-year starting defender at NCAA Division III Anderson University

Heartland Conference Player of the Year in 2000

Two-Time 1st team All-Conference defender

Two-year team captain

Led team to first Conference Championship in 2000

Member of the All-Decade team

Inducted to into the Anderson University Athletics Hall of Fame

Currently still in school’s top 10 for minutes played, goals, and points

Bennison graduated from Anderson University with a degree in family science.  He later graduated Summa Cum Laude from John Brown University with a master’s degree in ministry, and an emphasis in leadership and higher education.

He resides in Bridgewater with his wife Rachel and their three sons Andrew, Alex, and Austin.