This press release is from the desk of Joe Ginley
Bobbe Bennett hired as Saint Ignatius tennis head coach
Bennett, a former Magnificat assistant coach, is the second female head coach in school history.
(CLEVELAND) — The Saint Ignatius High School Athletic Department has named the second female
varsity head coach in school history.
Bobbe Bennett will lead the Saint Ignatius tennis team in 2018.
Following the end of a successful 2017 season, former head coach Jon Barker ‘87– a Math teacher at
Saint Ignatius – chose to step away to focus on his family and his other extracurricular pursuits.
Born and raised in Fort Collins, Colorado, Bennett attended Colorado State University. She earned two
letters with the Rams and still holds two of the top-10 single-season records in singles play. After
acquiring her degree, Bennett returned to her alma mater, Rocky Mountain High School.
Bennett coached the Rams’ boys and girls tennis teams from 2003-07. During that span, Bennett received two
coaching awards and led the Lobos to a third-place finish at the state championships in 2007.
Bennett moved to West Point in 2008, serving as an assistant coach for three seasons. During each
year of her tenure at Army, the Black Knights won the Patriot League and reached the NCAA
Championships.
For the past seven seasons, Bennett has coached tennis at Magnificat High School in Rocky River.
Bennett served as the Assistant Varsity A coach, helping the Blue Streaks claim the 2016 team state
championship. She also mentored Anna Roggenburk during her singles title run, becoming the school’s
first singles winner.
“I am very confident that Coach Bennett will be an excellent addition to the Saint Ignatius Athletic
Department,” said Saint Ignatius Athletic Director Rory Fitzpatrick ‘88. “She comes highly
recommended from Magnificat. She will do a great job of developing Men for Others in our tennis
program.”
Bennett is looking forward to leading the Wildcats’ program. The Tennis Cats sent a school record five
players to the state tournament in May.
Saint Ignatius High School
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to coach at Saint Ignatius, which is recognized for excellence,”
Bennett said. “I look forward to playing my part in shaping future leaders in faith and the community on
and off the court.”
Bennett comes with plenty of praise from Magnificat tennis head coach Chris Johnson. “She is extremely knowledgeable and energetic and will help student-athletes work hard and reach their
goals,” said Johnson. “She is great at communicating her expectations and has a good understanding
of today’s tennis climate, style, and strategies. She is a big reason for our success both on and off of
the court at Magnificat.”
Bennett lives with her husband James ’96 and their four children – Luke (12), Ellie (11), Ann (10), and
Jake (8).
Recent Comments