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Eastern Illinois University

Eastern Illinois Athletic Department
600 Lincoln Avenue Charleston, IL 61920
Division 1 Illinois Midwest
Public Medium National competitor

Coaches

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Dirk Bennett

Dirk Bennett was hired as the seventh head coach in Eastern Illinois women's soccer history on Feb. 10, 2023. Bennett, a two-time EIU graduate, previously served as the Panthers assistant women's soccer coach since July of 2019.


Dirk Bennett Hire Release


Eastern Illinois

* Hired as seventh head coach in program history on Feb. 10, 2023

* Hired as assistant women's soccer coach in July of 2019

* Coached sixth season on EIU women's soccer staff in 2022-23

* Served as a volunteer assistant coach for EIU women's soccer from 2016-18

* Helped coach team to a 0.81 Goals Against Average in 2022, third best single season mark in school history

* Helped coach team to a school record four shutouts to open the season in 2022

* Helped coach team to a school record eight ties in 2022 which ranked in the top five in the NCAA

* Helped coach EIU women's program to third place finish in OVC in 2018 & OVC Tournament semifinal appearance

* Helped coach women's program to second straight OVC Tournament appearance in 2019

* Helped coach three All-Ohio Valley Conference selections (first team Sara Teteak)

* Helped coach OVC Defensive Player of the Year Sara Teteak in 2019

* Helped coach eight second team All-OVC selections

* Helped coach EIU to OVC Tournament appearances in 2018, 2019 and 2021

* Volunteer assistant coach for men's soccer program from 2015-18

* Helped coach men's team to three straight Summit League Tournament appearances

* Helped coach men's team to 2-2-1 Summit League record in 2017, first .500 or better conference mark since 2000

* Helped coach men's team to Regional ranking during 2017 season

* Helped coach Summit League Goalkeeper of the Year, Mke Novotny in 2018

* Helped coach two first team All-Summit League performers (Mike Novotny & Edgar Mesa)

* Helped coach two second team All-Summit League performers

* Helped coach seven All-Summit League Newcomer Team selections

* Helped coach four Summit League All-Tournament selections


Prior to Eastern Illinois

* Athletic Supervisor for City of Charleston

* Executive Director of Eastern Illinois FC


Personal

* Bachelor's Degree from Eastern Illinois University in 2010

* Masters Degree from Eastern Illinois University in 2012

* USSF "C" License

* NSCAA Premier Diploma

* NSCAA Goalkeeping Level I

* NSCAA LGBT Diversity & Inclusion Diploma

* Board Member Central Illinois Youth Soccer League

* Inspire! UK "Top 10 Coaches Under 30" London Conference Invitee in 2014

* NCCAA Bob Seddon Fund Scholarship

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Deanna Hecht

Eastern Illinois

* Hired as an assistant coach for women's soccer in June 2023

* Will help coach on-field players and assist in recruiting


Prior To Eastern Illinois

* Named to United Soccer Coaches 30 Under 30 Class for 2022-23

* Women's soccer assistant coach at Illinois College (2021-23)

* Helped coach one first team selection for The Midwest Conference

* Helped coach one second team selection for The Midwest Conference

* Women's soccer assistant coach at College of Lake County (2019-21)

* Helped coach team to NJCAA National Tournament appearance

* Helped coach team to NJCAA Region IV Championship

* Helped coach team to Skyway Conference Championship

* Head coach Springfield Area Soccer Club U9 (2021-23)

* Master coach at Berkshire Soccer Academy For Girls (2022)

* Seasonal coach with Fort Wayne United (2017-19)


Personal

* Played collegiate soccer at Purdue Fort Wayne

* Competed in United Women's Soccer League - Fort Wayne United FC Gryphons

* Bachelor's degree from Purdue Fort Wayne in 2019

* Currently working on master's degree through SIUE

* Certified U.S. Soccer D Licensed Coach

* United Soccer Coaches Goalkeeping Level 1

* Native of Huntley, Illinois

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