Talk about the remarkable and successful history andtradition of Pacific Lutheran University men's tennis and the nameof Mike Benson is intertwined with every sentence.
Starting with the 2011-12 season, the legendary (though hewouldn't use that word) Coach Benson returned to the program as anhonorary assistant coach.
Benson started his Hall of Fame coaching career at PacificLutheran in 1970, right after he finished his playing career at theschool. While compiling 400 career dual match wins over a 30-yearcareer, Benson led his Lutes men's tennis teams to 24 NorthwestConference championships. He also led the PLU women's tennisteam to five conference titles in his six years leading thatprogram.
After Mike retired from the university in 1999, he andwife, Mary, moved to Thousand Oaks, Calif., where they could watchtheir second of two daughters, Kaaren, compete during her seniorseason for the California Lutheran University women's tennis team.Mike eventually returned to the women's tennis head coaching ranks,leading the CLU Regals program for three seasons, including the2011 team as interim head coach.
Mike and Mary have since returned to the Pacific Northwest to becloser to older daughter Kristie and her family, and theynow reside in Renton.
