Coach Benthien is in her second season as a graduate student assistant with the Ottawa University women’s soccer program.
Benthien joined the Braves' coaching staff in August 2025 while pursuing a Master of Science in Applied Psychology with an emphasis in Forensic Psychology at Ottawa University. It will be her second master’s degree from OU after earning a Master of Business Administration with a focus in Leadership in 2024. Benthien completed her MBA with a 4.0 GPA.
Before joining the OU women's soccer coaching staff, Benthien gained experience in athletics, operations, event management and recruiting. She served as an Operations and League Manager at All American Indoor Sports, managing league operations, scheduling, tournaments, staffing and event planning. She also worked as an Operations Specialist with Sporting KC, assisting with event and stadium operations across the organization's venues.
Benthien also volunteered with Ottawa University in an administrative role in 2024, assisting with student recruitment efforts focused on prospective student-athletes. Her responsibilities included coordinating communication between prospects, coaches and admissions and assisting with recruiting plans, campus tours and informational sessions.
A native of Germany, Benthien brings an extensive playing background to the Braves. She played for Hamburger SV from the U15 level through the club's first women's team and served as a team captain at the U17 Bundesliga level.
Benthien came to the United States in 2019 to continue her soccer career at Lindsey Wilson University. She attended Lindsey Wilson from 2019 to 2023, earning bachelor's degrees in Recreation, Tourism & Sport Management and Communications. During her time at Lindsey Wilson, she received Outstanding Academic Achievement Awards and earned the highest GPA and top overall performance in both departments.
Her coaching experience includes serving as a youth soccer coach with Little Kickers in Kentucky from 2019 to 2023. Benthien has also been involved in sports and youth event management, including fundraising efforts connected with KU Basketball and Lindsey Wilson College Athletics.
Benthien's professional experience also extends internationally. In 2022, she worked in sports and entertainment at Robinson Club Agadir in Morocco. Her responsibilities included planning and conducting sports activities, tournaments and games, along with working in guest relations, event presentation and other entertainment activities.
