Completed Event: Men's Lacrosse at RV/#19 Fairfield on March 1, 2025 , Loss , 7, to, 15
Men's Lacrosse
at RV/#19 Fairfield
Final
7
-
15
Providence College Athletics
Bobby Benson Named Head Coach Of Men's Lacrosse Program
6/15/2022 9:59:00 AM | Men's Lacrosse
Benson spent the last two seasons at Maryland and helped guide the Terps to the 2022 NCAA title.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Providence College Athletics announced today [June 15] that Bobby Benson has been named head men's lacrosse coach. Benson becomes the ninth head coach in program history and replaces Chris Gabrielli, who resigned in May after 10 seasons with the Friars.
"I am excited to welcome Bobby and his family to Providence as our lacrosse coach," incoming Athletics Director Steve Napolillo said. Bobby's coaching experience is extensive and comes to Friartown with a championship pedigree. He has served as an assistant coach and offensive coordinator at some of the most storied lacrosse programs in NCAA Division I history. Bobby has reached the pinnacle of the sport, winning national titles at John's Hopkins and Maryland. Bobby also has close ties to our campus community as his wife, Taylor, graduated from Providence in 2003 and was a four-year member of the Friar swimming and diving team. I've been fortunate to have developed a relationship with Bobby and Taylor over the years and I'm confident that he is the perfect choice to lead our program as we compete for BIG EAST and national championships."
"After an exhaustive national search during which we had the opportunity to meet with a number of exceptional candidates, I'm excited that Bobby will be leading the men's lacrosse program for many years to come," said current Athletics Director Bob Driscoll. "We have the resources and infrastructure in place at Providence College to compete at the highest level."
Benson spent the last two seasons at Maryland and was the offensive coordinator during the Terps' run to the national title in 2022. Maryland posted a 33-1 overall record during Benson's two seasons in College Park, earned two Big Ten titles and made back-to-back appearances in the NCAA Championship Game. In 2021, the Terps fell to fourth-ranked Virginia, 17-16, marking their only loss of the season. Maryland found redemption in 2022 as it hoisted the national championship trophy following a 9-7 victory over seventh-ranked Cornell on May 30. Maryland completed the season with a perfect 18-0 record.
Benson's offensive unit finished the 2022 season ranked first in the nation in assists per game (11.33) and set an NCAA single-season record for total assists in a season (205). The Terps also ranked first in the nation in points per game (29.00), scoring offense (17.67) and shot percentage (0.391). Maryland's man-up offense also ranked among the best in NCAA Division I lacrosse (seventh), converting on 48-percent of its opportunities.
Benson helped develop and mentor one of the hottest names in lacrosse this season, as Logan Wisnauskas was selected first overall in the 2022 Premier Lacrosse League Draft and claimed the Tewaaraton Award, in addition to earning USILA Player of the Year, Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and First Team All-America honors. It marked the second-consecutive year that a member of Benson's offensive unit received the Tewaaraton Award. In 2021, attackman Jared Bernhardt took home the honor.
"I would like to thank Steve Napolillo, Bob Driscoll and Father Sicard for this opportunity," Benson said. "Providence College is an unbelievable Catholic institution with an incredibly successful BIG EAST Athletic Department. I look forward to getting to Friartown and joining everyone in the Friar family."
Before joining the Terps, Benson spent 14 seasons as the offensive coordinator at Johns Hopkins. He led some of the game's most prolific offenses while serving as the program's offensive coordinator, helping Hopkins to 11 NCAA appearances, eight quarterfinal bids, three final fours and two national championship games. The Blue Jays won the national title in 2007. Benson's extra man unit consistently ranked among the best in the country during his time with the program, finishing in the top-10 nationally in eight seasons of his 14 seasons. Benson molded some of the nation's best offensive players while at John's Hopkins, coaching a total of 37 All-Americans during his tenure.
Benson, a 2003 Johns Hopkins graduate, returned to JHU after coaching stints at UMBC and Loyola. He served as the offensive coordinator at UMBC in 2004 and 2005 and helped the Retrievers rank among the national leaders in extra-man offense. He moved to Loyola in 2006 and the Greyhounds promptly led the nation in extra-man offense with 24 goals on 43 attempts (.558).
A three-time All-America selection at Hopkins (2000-03), Benson finished his career at Homewood ranked sixth all-time in goals scored (124) and 14th in career points (167). He is one of just two players in school history to lead the team in goals four-straight years and helped the Blue Jays to four-consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, three trips to the final four and one national runner-up finish (2003). Benson is one of just four players in program history to score 25+ goals in each of his four seasons.
Benson and his wife, Taylor, have two sons, Tucker and Griffin. His wife, formerly Taylor Dabrowski, is a 2003 graduate of Providence College and was a four-year member of the Friars' swimming and diving team. She served as team captain during her senior season (2002-03).
BENSON'S COACHING EXPERIENCE
2021-22: Maryland (Assistant Coach / Offensive Coordinator)
2007-20: John's Hopkins (Assistant Coach / Offensive Coordinator)
2006: Loyola (Assistant Coach / Offensive Coordinator)
2004-05: UMBC (Assistant Coach / Offensive Coordinator)
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT HEAD COACH BOBBY BENSON
"I'm very excited for Bobby and his family to have this opportunity. Providence hit a home run and has hired a proven winner. Bobby will help each member of his team become their very best as students, people and players."
– John Tillman, Head Coach at Maryland
* Benson served on Tillman's staff as an assistant coach (2021-22)
"Providence College has hit a home run with the hiring of Bob Benson. The Friars are not only getting an outstanding coach, they are also partnering with a tremendous person with a strong moral and ethical compass. Bob is thoughtful in his approach to coaching. He understands the importance of preparation and possesses a strong sense for gameday management. He prioritizes relationship development in recruiting and will be a great teacher and mentor to the young men he coaches. The Providence lacrosse program is in terrific hands."
- Dave Pietramala – Defensive Coordinator at Syracuse / Former Head Coach at Johns Hopkins (2001-2020)
* Benson played for Pietramala at John's Hopkins and served as an assistant coach on his staff at JHU (2007-20).
"Coach Benson is one of the brightest minds in the game. I was lucky to play for him and even luckier to build a relationship with him after college. I know he'll be great at Providence and wish him all the best."
– Paul Rabil – Co-Founder of the Premier Lacrosse League / Former PLL All-Star and Major League Lacrosse MVP and Offensive Player of the Year
* Benson served as an assistant coach at John's Hopkins during Rabil's final two seasons as a student-athlete (2007-08).
"Providence has made a fantastic choice in hiring Bobby Benson as its new head coach. His enthusiasm, knowledge and passion for coaching has allowed him to make every program he has been a part of better. I have no doubt this will continue with the teams he leads at Providence."
- Kevin Warne – Head Coach at Georgetown
* Benson and Warne coached together at UMBC (2004-05); Both were assistants at Maryland under Tillman.
"I can't say enough good things about Coach Benson as a coach, mentor and friend. He has an incredible lacrosse mind and is a fantastic developer of men. I'm very excited to see him in action this spring with the Providence College Friars!"
- Ryan Brown – Professional Lacrosse Player for Waterdogs LC of the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) / Three-time All-American at John's Hopkins
* Benson served as an assistant coach at John's Hopkins during Brown's four-year career as a student-athlete (2013-16).
"Coach Benson is not only one of the best coaches and masterminds of the game I've ever met, but also is one of the best human beings I've met. He is 100% a player's coach and there is no doubt in my mind he will have huge success at Providence. He's a very personable coach who forms great relationships with his players and has been more than deserving of a head coaching job in the college ranks for years. The thing that impresses me most about Coach Benson is how family oriented he is, while at the same time giving his players his utmost attention. I am nothing but honored to have been coached by him the past two years and wish him nothing but success in Rhode Island."
- Logan Wisnauskas – 2022 Tewaaraton Award Winner and First Overall Pick in the 2022 PLL Draft / Attackman at Maryland (2018-22)
* Benson served as an assistant coach at Maryland during Wisnauskas' final two seasons as a student-athlete (2021-22).
- GO FRIARS! -
"I am excited to welcome Bobby and his family to Providence as our lacrosse coach," incoming Athletics Director Steve Napolillo said. Bobby's coaching experience is extensive and comes to Friartown with a championship pedigree. He has served as an assistant coach and offensive coordinator at some of the most storied lacrosse programs in NCAA Division I history. Bobby has reached the pinnacle of the sport, winning national titles at John's Hopkins and Maryland. Bobby also has close ties to our campus community as his wife, Taylor, graduated from Providence in 2003 and was a four-year member of the Friar swimming and diving team. I've been fortunate to have developed a relationship with Bobby and Taylor over the years and I'm confident that he is the perfect choice to lead our program as we compete for BIG EAST and national championships."
"After an exhaustive national search during which we had the opportunity to meet with a number of exceptional candidates, I'm excited that Bobby will be leading the men's lacrosse program for many years to come," said current Athletics Director Bob Driscoll. "We have the resources and infrastructure in place at Providence College to compete at the highest level."
Benson spent the last two seasons at Maryland and was the offensive coordinator during the Terps' run to the national title in 2022. Maryland posted a 33-1 overall record during Benson's two seasons in College Park, earned two Big Ten titles and made back-to-back appearances in the NCAA Championship Game. In 2021, the Terps fell to fourth-ranked Virginia, 17-16, marking their only loss of the season. Maryland found redemption in 2022 as it hoisted the national championship trophy following a 9-7 victory over seventh-ranked Cornell on May 30. Maryland completed the season with a perfect 18-0 record.
Benson's offensive unit finished the 2022 season ranked first in the nation in assists per game (11.33) and set an NCAA single-season record for total assists in a season (205). The Terps also ranked first in the nation in points per game (29.00), scoring offense (17.67) and shot percentage (0.391). Maryland's man-up offense also ranked among the best in NCAA Division I lacrosse (seventh), converting on 48-percent of its opportunities.
Benson helped develop and mentor one of the hottest names in lacrosse this season, as Logan Wisnauskas was selected first overall in the 2022 Premier Lacrosse League Draft and claimed the Tewaaraton Award, in addition to earning USILA Player of the Year, Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and First Team All-America honors. It marked the second-consecutive year that a member of Benson's offensive unit received the Tewaaraton Award. In 2021, attackman Jared Bernhardt took home the honor.
"I would like to thank Steve Napolillo, Bob Driscoll and Father Sicard for this opportunity," Benson said. "Providence College is an unbelievable Catholic institution with an incredibly successful BIG EAST Athletic Department. I look forward to getting to Friartown and joining everyone in the Friar family."
Before joining the Terps, Benson spent 14 seasons as the offensive coordinator at Johns Hopkins. He led some of the game's most prolific offenses while serving as the program's offensive coordinator, helping Hopkins to 11 NCAA appearances, eight quarterfinal bids, three final fours and two national championship games. The Blue Jays won the national title in 2007. Benson's extra man unit consistently ranked among the best in the country during his time with the program, finishing in the top-10 nationally in eight seasons of his 14 seasons. Benson molded some of the nation's best offensive players while at John's Hopkins, coaching a total of 37 All-Americans during his tenure.
Benson, a 2003 Johns Hopkins graduate, returned to JHU after coaching stints at UMBC and Loyola. He served as the offensive coordinator at UMBC in 2004 and 2005 and helped the Retrievers rank among the national leaders in extra-man offense. He moved to Loyola in 2006 and the Greyhounds promptly led the nation in extra-man offense with 24 goals on 43 attempts (.558).
A three-time All-America selection at Hopkins (2000-03), Benson finished his career at Homewood ranked sixth all-time in goals scored (124) and 14th in career points (167). He is one of just two players in school history to lead the team in goals four-straight years and helped the Blue Jays to four-consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, three trips to the final four and one national runner-up finish (2003). Benson is one of just four players in program history to score 25+ goals in each of his four seasons.
Benson and his wife, Taylor, have two sons, Tucker and Griffin. His wife, formerly Taylor Dabrowski, is a 2003 graduate of Providence College and was a four-year member of the Friars' swimming and diving team. She served as team captain during her senior season (2002-03).
BENSON'S COACHING EXPERIENCE
2021-22: Maryland (Assistant Coach / Offensive Coordinator)
2007-20: John's Hopkins (Assistant Coach / Offensive Coordinator)
2006: Loyola (Assistant Coach / Offensive Coordinator)
2004-05: UMBC (Assistant Coach / Offensive Coordinator)
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT HEAD COACH BOBBY BENSON
"I'm very excited for Bobby and his family to have this opportunity. Providence hit a home run and has hired a proven winner. Bobby will help each member of his team become their very best as students, people and players."
– John Tillman, Head Coach at Maryland
* Benson served on Tillman's staff as an assistant coach (2021-22)
"Providence College has hit a home run with the hiring of Bob Benson. The Friars are not only getting an outstanding coach, they are also partnering with a tremendous person with a strong moral and ethical compass. Bob is thoughtful in his approach to coaching. He understands the importance of preparation and possesses a strong sense for gameday management. He prioritizes relationship development in recruiting and will be a great teacher and mentor to the young men he coaches. The Providence lacrosse program is in terrific hands."
- Dave Pietramala – Defensive Coordinator at Syracuse / Former Head Coach at Johns Hopkins (2001-2020)
* Benson played for Pietramala at John's Hopkins and served as an assistant coach on his staff at JHU (2007-20).
"Coach Benson is one of the brightest minds in the game. I was lucky to play for him and even luckier to build a relationship with him after college. I know he'll be great at Providence and wish him all the best."
– Paul Rabil – Co-Founder of the Premier Lacrosse League / Former PLL All-Star and Major League Lacrosse MVP and Offensive Player of the Year
* Benson served as an assistant coach at John's Hopkins during Rabil's final two seasons as a student-athlete (2007-08).
"Providence has made a fantastic choice in hiring Bobby Benson as its new head coach. His enthusiasm, knowledge and passion for coaching has allowed him to make every program he has been a part of better. I have no doubt this will continue with the teams he leads at Providence."
- Kevin Warne – Head Coach at Georgetown
* Benson and Warne coached together at UMBC (2004-05); Both were assistants at Maryland under Tillman.
"I can't say enough good things about Coach Benson as a coach, mentor and friend. He has an incredible lacrosse mind and is a fantastic developer of men. I'm very excited to see him in action this spring with the Providence College Friars!"
- Ryan Brown – Professional Lacrosse Player for Waterdogs LC of the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) / Three-time All-American at John's Hopkins
* Benson served as an assistant coach at John's Hopkins during Brown's four-year career as a student-athlete (2013-16).
"Coach Benson is not only one of the best coaches and masterminds of the game I've ever met, but also is one of the best human beings I've met. He is 100% a player's coach and there is no doubt in my mind he will have huge success at Providence. He's a very personable coach who forms great relationships with his players and has been more than deserving of a head coaching job in the college ranks for years. The thing that impresses me most about Coach Benson is how family oriented he is, while at the same time giving his players his utmost attention. I am nothing but honored to have been coached by him the past two years and wish him nothing but success in Rhode Island."
- Logan Wisnauskas – 2022 Tewaaraton Award Winner and First Overall Pick in the 2022 PLL Draft / Attackman at Maryland (2018-22)
* Benson served as an assistant coach at Maryland during Wisnauskas' final two seasons as a student-athlete (2021-22).
- GO FRIARS! -
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