University of St. Thomas Athletics

Outside hitter Maddy Benka signs with volleyball
11/8/2023 12:24:00 PM | Volleyball
2023 IMAC Player of the Year commits to join Tommie Volleyball in 2024
ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Outside hitter Maddy Benka has signed to join the St. Thomas volleyball program, Head Coach Thanh Pham announced on National Signing Day.
"Maddy is a dynamic player that is competitive and well trained," Pham said. "She has the athleticism to play multiple positions and is a great addition to our team. Her ball control skills and serving ability will enhance our gym. We are excited to have her join our program."
Maddy Benka (OH, 5-9, Minneapolis, Minn. / Minnehaha Academy)
Benka, a Minneapolis, Minn., native and senior at Minnehaha Academy, was named the Independent Metro Athletic Conference (IMAC) Player of the Year and to the Star Tribune All-Metro Third Team following her final season. She is a three-time all-conference selection and totaled over 500 kills in 2023 with a .312 hitting percentage, finishing with 6.2 kills per set. Benka recorded 59 service aces and chipped in 2.5 digs per set. Through her career at Minnehaha, she finished with over 1,000 career kills.
Benka is the daughter of Matthew and Kimberly Benka and has one sibling, Isaac. Her mother competed in volleyball and track & field at St. Cloud State while her father played volleyball, also at St. Cloud State. Her brother played volleyball at Lewis University.
Benka is the lone addition to the program on National Signing Day after Tommie Volleyball says goodbye to two graduating seniors in middle blocker Ellie Dammann and opposite hitter Claire Ricard. Benka will be one of six underclassmen for the Tommies in 2024.
FOLLOW ALONG
For more information on St. Thomas Volleyball, follow along on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram at @tommievball
-- St. Thomas Athletics --
"Maddy is a dynamic player that is competitive and well trained," Pham said. "She has the athleticism to play multiple positions and is a great addition to our team. Her ball control skills and serving ability will enhance our gym. We are excited to have her join our program."
Maddy Benka (OH, 5-9, Minneapolis, Minn. / Minnehaha Academy)
Benka, a Minneapolis, Minn., native and senior at Minnehaha Academy, was named the Independent Metro Athletic Conference (IMAC) Player of the Year and to the Star Tribune All-Metro Third Team following her final season. She is a three-time all-conference selection and totaled over 500 kills in 2023 with a .312 hitting percentage, finishing with 6.2 kills per set. Benka recorded 59 service aces and chipped in 2.5 digs per set. Through her career at Minnehaha, she finished with over 1,000 career kills.
Benka is the daughter of Matthew and Kimberly Benka and has one sibling, Isaac. Her mother competed in volleyball and track & field at St. Cloud State while her father played volleyball, also at St. Cloud State. Her brother played volleyball at Lewis University.
Benka is the lone addition to the program on National Signing Day after Tommie Volleyball says goodbye to two graduating seniors in middle blocker Ellie Dammann and opposite hitter Claire Ricard. Benka will be one of six underclassmen for the Tommies in 2024.
FOLLOW ALONG
For more information on St. Thomas Volleyball, follow along on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram at @tommievball
-- St. Thomas Athletics --
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