WEATHERFORD, Okla. – Former SWOSU Volleyball student-athlete and graduate assistant coach Markenzie Benoit recently signed a professional contract to play overseas. She becomes the first volleyball alum in program history to do so.
"It is always exciting to see our student-athletes move up to the next level," said SWOSU Athletic Director Todd Helton. "Especially, when the student-athlete contributed as much to Bulldog Athletics as Markenzie did. We couldn't be prouder of her, or for her."
Benoit signed with KV Fer Volley; a team based out of the country of Kosovo located in Southeastern Europe. Fer Volley competes in a pair of professional leagues, the George Kastrioti joint Albania-Kosovo League and Kosovo Super League A.
"I'm thankful for Fer Volley for giving me this opportunity to join their club," said Benoit. "I'm really excited to share new experiences with my teammates and can't help but be grateful for the ability to continue playing volleyball and travel the world at the same time."
Benoit was a standout for the Bulldogs during the 2021 season after coming from Division I Tulane University as a graduate transfer. In her lone season representing SWOSU, she was named the Great American Conference Newcomer of the Year and a First Team All-GAC selection.
After finishing up her playing career, Benoit remained in Weatherford and became a Graduate Assistant Coach for the 2022 season. She graduated with her master's degree in Classroom Teaching following the 2022 fall semester and recently embarked on her new journey of professional volleyball.
"When you simply count the days that Mark spent in Weatherford, it seems like a very short period of time," SWOSU Volleyball Head Coach Josh Collins said. "However, when you start counting the ways that she impacted our volleyball program, it seems as though she spent her entire collegiate career as a Bulldog. Her impact on the court was obvious. She was clearly a very gifted athlete and a savvy volleyball player, but her influence in the locker room and at practice was just as important. She conducted herself as a professional long before she signed a contract."
After arriving in Weatherford 18 months ago, unsure of what the future might hold, Benoit proved to be a catalyst for the SWOSU Volleyball team. Her time at SWOSU, however, also proved to be a catalyst in preparing her for the challenge of pursuing a professional career.
