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Bobbe Bennett Named Head Tennis Coach

By Joe Ginley, 11/16/17, 4:15PM EST

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Bennett, a former assistant varsity coach at Magnificat, takes over for Jon Barker after a successful 2017 season.

For the second time in school history, the Saint Ignatius High School Athletic Department has hired a female head coach. 

With the departure of former head coach Jon Barker '87, the Saint Ignatius tennis program will be led by Bobbe Bennett. 

Following a successful spring season, Barker decided to step away to focus more on his family and other extracurricular pursuits. The Tennis Cats enjoyed a wealth of success during his tenure. Nate Griffin became the first player to win an OHSAA State Champion in 2014 and a record five Tennis Cats reached the OHSAA State Tournament in 2017. 

"Jon was a great head coach and leader," said Athletic Director Rory Fitzpatrick '88. "We're very sad to see him go, but I know that he will still be giving back to the school through his work in the Math Department and all of his other extracurricular efforts." 

In the search for a new coach, Bobbe Bennett's experience and track record of success caught Fitzpatrick's attention.  

Bennett was born and raised in Fort Collins, Colorado. The oldest of three children, Bennett earned two letters and a degree from Colorado State University, where she still holds two of the top-10 single-season records in singles play. 

After graduating in 2002, Bennett returned to her alma mater, Rocky Mountain High School, serving as the head coach of both the boys and girls teams from 2003-2007. Bennett received two Coach of the Year awards, and guided the Lobos to a third-place finish at the state championships in 2007. 

Bennett also coached Team Colorado, a junior tennis elite program from 2001-08. 

Bennett then moved to West Point in 2008, coaching the Army Black Knights. During Bennett's tenure as assistant coach, Army won three Patriot League titles. The Black Knights clinched berths to the NCAA Championships each of her three seasons.

For the past seven seasons, Bennett has coached tennis at Magnificat High School in Rocky River. Bennett served as the Assistant Varsity A coach under Chris Johnson, helping the Blue Streaks claim the 2016 team state championship. 

Bennett follows Gayle Scaravilli as the second female head varsity coach in school history. Scaravilli served as the head coach of the golf team from 1999-2000

"I am very confident that Coach Bennett will be an excellent addition to the Saint Ignatius Athletic Department," Fitzpatrick said. "She comes highly recommended from Magnificat. She will do a great job of developing Men for Others in our tennis program."

Bennett is excited to serve as the leader of a strong and talented tennis program at Saint Ignatius. 

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to coach at Saint Ignatius, which is recognized for excellence. I look forward to playing my part in shaping future leaders in faith and the community on and off the court.”

Bennett earned plenty of recognition at Magnificat for her excellent work. Magnificat head coach Chris Johnson had plenty of praise for the experienced coach.

"I am thrilled that she is getting the opportunity to lead the program. 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. The girls at Magnificat trust and respect her and she has a wonderful relationship with the parents as well.

"[Bennett] is a big reason for our success both on and off of the court at Magnificat. She played a large role coaching the team to the State Championship last season and was on court with me to guide Anna Roggenburk to the schools first ever singles title."

Bennett lives with her husband James '96 and their four children – Luke (12), Ellie (11), Ann (10), and Jake (8). 

Congratulations, Bobbe! We're happy to have you!