Eastern Illinois University Women's Soccer

Dirk Bennett was hired as the seventh head coach in Eastern Illinois women's soccer history on Feb. 10, 2023.  Bennett, a two-time EIU graduate, previously served as the Panthers assistant women's soccer coach since July of 2019.    [Dirk Bennett Hire Release](https://eiupanthers.com/news/2023/2/10/bennett-hired-as-eiu-womens-soccer-head-coach.aspx) Eastern Illinois  * Hired as seventh head coach in program history on Feb. 10, 2023 * Hired as assistant women's soccer coach in July of 2019 * Coached sixth season on EIU women's soccer staff in 2022-23 * Served as a volunteer assistant coach for EIU women's soccer from 2016-18 * Helped coach team to a 0.81 Goals Against Average in 2022, third best single season mark in school history * Helped coach team to a school record four shutouts to open the season in 2022 * Helped coach team to a school record eight ties in 2022 which ranked in the top five in the NCAA * Helped coach EIU women's program to third place finish in OVC in 2018 & OVC Tournament semifinal appearance * Helped coach women's program to second straight OVC Tournament appearance in 2019 * Helped coach three All-Ohio Valley Conference selections (first team Sara Teteak) * Helped coach OVC Defensive Player of the Year Sara Teteak in 2019 * Helped coach eight second team All-OVC selections  * Helped coach EIU to OVC Tournament appearances in 2018, 2019 and 2021 * Volunteer assistant coach for men's soccer program from 2015-18 * Helped coach men's team to three straight Summit League Tournament appearances * Helped coach men's team to 2-2-1 Summit League record in 2017, first .500 or better conference mark since 2000  * Helped coach men's team to Regional ranking during 2017 season * Helped coach Summit League Goalkeeper of the Year, Mke Novotny in 2018 * Helped coach two first team All-Summit League performers (Mike Novotny & Edgar Mesa) * Helped coach two second team All-Summit League performers * Helped coach seven All-Summit League Newcomer Team selections * Helped coach four Summit League All-Tournament selections Prior to Eastern Illinois  * Athletic Supervisor for City of Charleston * Executive Director of Eastern Illinois FC Personal * Bachelor's Degree from Eastern Illinois University in 2010 * Masters Degree from Eastern Illinois University in 2012 * USSF "C" License * NSCAA Premier Diploma * NSCAA Goalkeeping Level I * NSCAA LGBT Diversity & Inclusion Diploma * Board Member Central Illinois Youth Soccer League * Inspire! UK "Top 10 Coaches Under 30" London Conference Invitee in 2014 * NCCAA Bob Seddon Fund Scholarship