Tim Bennett welcomes in a new era of Fighting Sioux soccer. On August 10, 2004, Bennett was named the fourth head coach in the history of the University of North Dakota soccer program. In the short time he has been on campus, Bennett already has the team abuzz with the prospects of the 2004 season.
“This is an exciting opportunity for me,” said Bennett. “I'm looking forward to working with the team and hopefully can we achieve the goals we’ve set for ourselves this season.”
Bennett, a 1992 graduate of Providence College, has spent the past eight seasons with the University of Kentucky soccer programs.
He served as an assistant coach with the Wildcat women’s team from 1999-2003 after three years as an assistant with the Kentucky men's team. He received his master’s degree in geography last month.
With the Kentucky women, Bennett helped guide the program to a 60-32-7 mark, including three NCAA Tournament appearances in the past five years. The Wildcats were ranked as high as No. 9 in the nation in 2000 as well as 2001.
While the Providence graduate was instrumental in helping the team recruit four nationally ranked classes, Bennett also helped the Wildcat men achieve success. In his three seasons with the men's squad, the Wildcats went 46-33-5 and made their first trip to the NCAA Tournament in 1999.
He also coached the Boys’ Under-17 and Girls’ Under-13 Olympic Development teams in Kentucky during his tenure at UK.
As a defender for the Providence Friars, Bennett was the assistant captain and set the school record for most starts. He was a four-year starter and was twice named Academic All-Big East and was named to the Right Guard All-Big East Team in 1990. He received a bachelor’s degree in humanities in 1992.
While attending Providence, Bennett coached in the Omaha Gladiators program for three years. He has also worked at various soccer camps, including camps at UK, Indiana and Rhode Island. For the past two years, he has worked with LFC (Lexington Futbol Club).
Originally from Omaha, Neb., Bennett was the first four-year starter at Omaha Westside High School. He was a two-time All-State midfielder and played for a two-time state championship team. He was also a member of the Olympic Development Program Regional team and played in the Omaha Gladiators club soccer organization.
