Bridget Benshetler, the winningest women's basketball coach in Salisbury history, has resigned from her position as head coach and instructor and will leave the school on August 14 to become an assistant professor of Health and Wellness at Wor-Wic Community College.
Benshetler, 43, coached the Sea Gull women's basketball program for 17 years where she accumulated a 272-177 record, made five NCAA tournament appearances, captured three Capital Athletic Conference championships and coached five All-Americans.
"I could never thank the university enough for what it gave me," said Benshetler. "This university did more for me than I did for it."
For Benshetler SU is her first and only women's basketball head coaching position. She joined the Salisbury staff in fall 1990 after she earned her M.S. in health and physical education from West Chester. Benshetler graduated from Hofstra in 1986 where she was a member of the women's basketball team.
"I thank Bridget for her many positive contributions to our athletics program and university over the past 17 years," said SU athletic director Michael Vienna. "She has played a vital role in the development of our students and student-athletes. She raised the level of our women's basketball program to unprecedented heights and for that I am thankful. We wish her well and the best of success as she moves into this next portion of her professional career."
Benshetler will continue to teach her PE 106 class along with various health classes at Wor-Wic Community College. She plans to earn her doctorate.
"It has always been a goal of mine to teach at the college level. This is the new phase of my professional career," said Benshetler. "I always saw myself not just as a coach but as a teacher. I like basketball, but I love the teaching of basketball and want to pursue that love of teaching full-time now at this stage in my life."
The search for Benshetler's replacement will begin immediately. The Sea Gulls were 15-11 last season and 8-6 in the CAC. SU lost in the CAC semifinals to No. 8 Mary Washington 79-58 to end its season. Salisbury will be led by senior guard Meghan Phillips next season. Phillips was an All-CAC second team guard and was second on the team in scoring with 13.6 points per game.
The most successful women's basketball team under Benshetler's reign was the 2001-02 team (24-5 record) that reached the NCAA Sweet 16 tournament round. In nine seasons (1994-2003) the Sea Gulls won three consecutive CAC championships (1999-2002), made five NCAA appearances and posted a 176-72 overall record. When asked about her favorite team Benshetler said her very last one was the best.
"My seniors said it was the best season ever. They were right. It was a great year," said Benshetler.
"I just love Salisbury University. This is very hard for me," said Benshetler. "I would like to thank everybody (I worked with) here."