WEATHERFORD – Former SWOSU Volleyball student-athlete and graduate assistant coach Markenzie Benoit began her second professional season last October and continues to compete with her team overseas as of March of 2024.

Her professional career started a year prior in the country of Kosovo, playing with KV Fer Volley for the 2023 season.

After completing her first season in Kosovo, Benoit then signed with Sens Volley 89 based out of Sens, France as a medical joker in replacement of an injured existing player. Located 50 miles outside of Paris, Benoit and Sens Volley 89 compete in the country’s Second Elite Division. 

“Although I joined the team late after season started, I’ve really enjoyed my time here in France,” Benoit said. “I am learning a new language and trying lots of new foods, mostly deserts. Sens reminds me a lot of Weatherford.  It is a small city 60 miles outside of Paris, much like Weatherford is to Oklahoma City. The sense of community is really high and the support we get on and off the court is amazing.”

Benoit has seen continued success overseas and was recently named Most Valuable Player of a match after posting a career high 24 kills with just two errors.

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.

“It is awesome to see Mark doing so well at the next level.  But we aren’t at all surprised,” Collins said.  “She is an incredible athlete and an even better human.  We couldn’t be prouder that she is representing the SWOSU Volleyball brand all over the world.”

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 before embarking on her new journey of professional volleyball. 

“I’ll forever be indebted to SWOSU Volleyball and Coach Collins for the best year and a half that impacted my career not only athletically, but emotionally.  Coach Collins, Coach Kait and my teammates helped me get my spark back for the sport I am now playing professionally. Once a Dawg, always a Dawg!”

Benoit’s second professional season concludes in May. 

You can read more about Benoit’s first professional contract here. 

You can read about her journey from Division I to SWOSU here.