News Summary

The University of New Hampshire’s women’s swimming and diving team has welcomed back Nicole Benson as their new assistant coach. A former swimmer and experienced coach, Benson will bring her extensive background to the team, aiming to foster growth and success as they prepare for the upcoming season. Her previous roles include coaching at Phillips Exeter Academy and leading the team to several championships in her earlier tenure at UNH. With a strong family legacy in swimming, her return is anticipated to elevate team performance.

UNH Women’s Swimming and Diving Team Welcomes Back Nicole Benson

In the lovely city of Durham, excitement fills the air as the University of New Hampshire’s (UNH) women’s swimming and diving team has announced a familiar face returning to the fold. Nicole Benson has been named the new assistant coach, bringing with her a wealth of experience and passion for the sport that is sure to inspire the Wildcats moving forward.

A Return to Roots

This isn’t Nicole’s first rodeo with the Wildcats, as this marks her third time joining the UNH family. Benson originally became involved with the team as a volunteer assistant coach from 2004 to 2011, where she made a remarkable impact. Her expertise helped guide the Wildcats to three amazing America East Championships during her tenure — in the years 2013, 2014, and 2018. After a brief hiatus, she returned for another season in 2018, showing her unwavering commitment to the team.

A Journey in Coaching

Most recently, Nicole has been making waves at Phillips Exeter Academy, where she took on the role of assistant varsity swim coach from 2018 to 2025. During her time there, she significantly contributed to the development of young talents in both high school and age-group swimming, proving her knack for nurturing athletes and helping them reach their full potential.

A Swimming Superstar

But Benson isn’t just a coach; she’s also a phenomenal swimmer in her own right. A proud alumna of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, she gained fame as a standout swimmer competing in sprint freestyle and backstroke events. In fact, she earned a spot in her school’s Hall of Fame back in 2002, a testament to her talent and dedication to the sport. She completed her collegiate swimming career at the University of Kansas, where she not only excelled in the pool but also earned a Master’s degree in Sociology.

Coaching Career Blueprint

Nobody starts at the top, right? Nicole kicked off her coaching journey as a graduate assistant at the University of Kansas in the 1997-1998 season, laying the groundwork for what would become a successful career in sports coaching. Following her time at Kansas, she brought her skills to various teams, including the YMCA Green Dolphins Swimming Club and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Giving Back to the Community

In the early 2000s, Benson made significant contributions to the local swimming community in New Hampshire by launching the swimming program at Newmarket High School. She has coached in various club settings, including the Exeter Swim Team and Commonwealth Current North, serving competitive swimmers from ages 6 to 21.

The Wild Family Connection

Benson’s legacy isn’t confined to the swimming pool. Her family shares the love for swimming, too! She is married to her husband Tom, and they have five children: Andrew, Amy, Alison, Anika, and Ada. All of them are involved in swimming at different levels, creating a perfectly synchronized family of aquatic enthusiasts.

Amy, one of the shining stars of the family, swims for Trinity University and is a proud Division III All-American. Andrew, another talented swimmer, recently wrapped up his fifth year at the University of Wisconsin, boasting an impressive record as a three-year NCAA qualifier and a two-time Olympic Trials qualifier. Alison is making waves as she swims for the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse starting this fall, adding another chapter to the burgeoning family legacy.

Navigating Forward

With Nicole Benson back on board, the UNH women’s swimming and diving team can expect to embark on an exciting new journey. Head coach Josh Willman holds her in high regard, noting their long-standing rapport and mutual passion for swimming. Together, they are poised to create a dynamic team that aims to exceed expectations in the upcoming season.

As the new chapter unfolds for Benson and the Wildcats, all eyes will surely be on this thriving team, ready to splash into action!

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