ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- Rachel Benzing announced today that she is stepping down as head coach of the Missouri Western Lacrosse program. Her resignation is effective Dec. 31, 2021.
 
Benzing leaves as the inaugural head women's lacrosse coach. She played a major role in developing the new program at MWSU and led the team to a promising start in its first year. Under her leadership, five Missouri Western student-athletes earned All-GLVC honors and 10 were recognized with Academic All-GLVC honors.  
 
"I appreciate all that Coach Benzing has done to build the Griffon lacrosse program," said interim director of athletics Theresa Grosbach. "In her tenure at Missouri Western, she has emphasized our three C's - classroom, competition, and community - striving to ensure that our student-athletes are reaching their full potential academically, pursuing excellence on the field, and acting as positive ambassadors of the university in our St. Joseph community."
 
Assistant Coach, Jessica Berg, will transition to interim head coach for the spring semester. 
 
"Jessica is an accomplished former lacrosse student-athlete, recognized for excellence both on the field and in the classroom, including championship experience at the Division II level," said Grosbach. "I have full confidence in Jessica's ability to lead and carry forward the positive momentum in our program right now."