Benjamin hired to lead Barton softball program

Barton Community College recently approved the hiring of Marc Benjamin as head coach for the softball program.  Benjamin comes to Barton from Southern Utah University, where he was the assistant coach for the NCAA Division I Thunderbird softball team the past three seasons.  Benjamin was recently hired to replace Heather Panning, who resigned her head coach position last month.

"Marc Benjamin comes to Barton with a tremendous of fast pitch softball background," Trevor Rolfs, Barton Athletic Director said. "Not only did Coach "Benji" recently serve as assistant coach at NCAA Division I Southern Utah University, he also has been playing fast pitch softball competitively at the highest level. His background combined with his coaching experience makes Marc a great fit for Barton softball. I fully expect Coach Benjamin to take our softball program to new heights."

Benjamin's playing career began playing second base on the baseball diamond.  After receiving all-conference honors both years at Cerritos College, Benjamin transferred to NCAA Division I University of Utah.  At Utah, Benjamin batted .317 with nine doubles, two triples, three home runs and 55 RBI.  During Benjamin's senior season he finished in the top ten of the Western Athletic Conference with 15 stolen bases, finishing with 29 career total stolen bases. Benjamin graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in political science in 1994.

An accomplished fast pitch softball player, Benjamin plays on elite teams including internationally in New Zealand and Australia.

In addition to Benjamin's baseball and softball career, his brother, Mike, played 13 years in the major leagues, spending time in the Giants, Phillies, Red Sox and Pirates organizations.