Our Staff
Bobby Benson
Head Coach
Bio
On June 15, 2022, Bobby Benson was named head coach of the Providence College men's lacrosse program. Benson became the ninth head coach in program history and will patrol the sidelines in his first season with the Friars during the 2022-23 academic year.
Benson spent the last two seasons at Maryland and was the offensive coordinator during the Terps’ run to the national title in 2022. Maryland posted a 33-1 overall record during Benson’s two seasons in College Park, earned two Big Ten titles and made back-to-back appearances in the NCAA Championship Game. In 2021, the Terps fell to fourth-ranked Virginia, 17-16, marking their only loss of the season. Maryland found redemption in 2022 as it hoisted the national championship trophy following a 9-7 victory over seventh-ranked Cornell on May 30. Maryland completed the season with a perfect 18-0 record.
Benson’s offensive unit finished the 2022 season ranked first in the nation in assists per game (11.33) and set an NCAA single-season record for total assists in a season (205). The Terps also ranked first in the nation in points per game (29.00), scoring offense (17.67) and shot percentage (0.391). Maryland’s man-up offense also ranked among the best in NCAA Division I lacrosse (seventh), converting on 48-percent of its opportunities.
Benson helped develop and mentor one of the hottest names in lacrosse this season, as Logan Wisnauskas was selected first overall in the 2022 Premier Lacrosse League Draft and claimed the Tewaaraton Award, in addition to earning USILA Player of the Year, Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and First Team All-America honors. It marked the second-consecutive year that a member of Benson’s offensive unit received the Tewaaraton Award. In 2021, attackman Jared Bernhardt took home the honor.
Before joining the Terps, Benson spent 14 seasons as the offensive coordinator at Johns Hopkins. He led some of the game's most prolific offenses while serving as the program's offensive coordinator, helping Hopkins to 11 NCAA appearances, eight quarterfinal bids, three final fours and two national championship games. The Blue Jays won the national title in 2007. Benson's extra man unit consistently ranked among the best in the country during his time with the program, finishing in the top-10 nationally in eight seasons of his 14 seasons. Benson molded some of the nation's best offensive players while at John’s Hopkins, coaching a total of 37 All-Americans during his tenure.
Benson, a 2003 Johns Hopkins graduate, returned to JHU after coaching stints at UMBC and Loyola. He served as the offensive coordinator at UMBC in 2004 and 2005 and helped the Retrievers rank among the national leaders in extra-man offense. He moved to Loyola in 2006 and the Greyhounds promptly led the nation in extra-man offense with 24 goals on 43 attempts (.558).
A three-time All-America selection at Hopkins (2000-03), Benson finished his career at Homewood ranked sixth all-time in goals scored (124) and 14th in career points (167). He is one of just two players in school history to lead the team in goals four-straight years and helped the Blue Jays to four-consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, three trips to the final four and one national runner-up finish (2003). Benson is one of just four players in program history to score 25+ goals in each of his four seasons.
Benson and his wife, Taylor, have two sons, Tucker and Griffin. His wife, formerly Taylor Dabrowski, is a 2003 graduate of Providence College and was a four-year member of the Friars’ swimming and diving team. She served as team captain during her senior season (2002-03).
Benson spent the last two seasons at Maryland and was the offensive coordinator during the Terps’ run to the national title in 2022. Maryland posted a 33-1 overall record during Benson’s two seasons in College Park, earned two Big Ten titles and made back-to-back appearances in the NCAA Championship Game. In 2021, the Terps fell to fourth-ranked Virginia, 17-16, marking their only loss of the season. Maryland found redemption in 2022 as it hoisted the national championship trophy following a 9-7 victory over seventh-ranked Cornell on May 30. Maryland completed the season with a perfect 18-0 record.
Benson’s offensive unit finished the 2022 season ranked first in the nation in assists per game (11.33) and set an NCAA single-season record for total assists in a season (205). The Terps also ranked first in the nation in points per game (29.00), scoring offense (17.67) and shot percentage (0.391). Maryland’s man-up offense also ranked among the best in NCAA Division I lacrosse (seventh), converting on 48-percent of its opportunities.
Benson helped develop and mentor one of the hottest names in lacrosse this season, as Logan Wisnauskas was selected first overall in the 2022 Premier Lacrosse League Draft and claimed the Tewaaraton Award, in addition to earning USILA Player of the Year, Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and First Team All-America honors. It marked the second-consecutive year that a member of Benson’s offensive unit received the Tewaaraton Award. In 2021, attackman Jared Bernhardt took home the honor.
Before joining the Terps, Benson spent 14 seasons as the offensive coordinator at Johns Hopkins. He led some of the game's most prolific offenses while serving as the program's offensive coordinator, helping Hopkins to 11 NCAA appearances, eight quarterfinal bids, three final fours and two national championship games. The Blue Jays won the national title in 2007. Benson's extra man unit consistently ranked among the best in the country during his time with the program, finishing in the top-10 nationally in eight seasons of his 14 seasons. Benson molded some of the nation's best offensive players while at John’s Hopkins, coaching a total of 37 All-Americans during his tenure.
Benson, a 2003 Johns Hopkins graduate, returned to JHU after coaching stints at UMBC and Loyola. He served as the offensive coordinator at UMBC in 2004 and 2005 and helped the Retrievers rank among the national leaders in extra-man offense. He moved to Loyola in 2006 and the Greyhounds promptly led the nation in extra-man offense with 24 goals on 43 attempts (.558).
A three-time All-America selection at Hopkins (2000-03), Benson finished his career at Homewood ranked sixth all-time in goals scored (124) and 14th in career points (167). He is one of just two players in school history to lead the team in goals four-straight years and helped the Blue Jays to four-consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, three trips to the final four and one national runner-up finish (2003). Benson is one of just four players in program history to score 25+ goals in each of his four seasons.
Benson and his wife, Taylor, have two sons, Tucker and Griffin. His wife, formerly Taylor Dabrowski, is a 2003 graduate of Providence College and was a four-year member of the Friars’ swimming and diving team. She served as team captain during her senior season (2002-03).
Casey Brodersen
Associate Head Coach
Bio
Brodersen joins Benson’s staff after spending the last 12 seasons at Bryant University, including the previous eight seasons as the program’s Associate Head Coach. The Bulldogs enjoyed unparalleled success during Brodersen’s tenure, including six Northeast Conference titles, five NCAA Tournament appearances and a trip to the NCAA Quarterfinals in 2014.
In 2021, Bryant posted their best start in NCAA Division I program history and went on to win its sixth NEC title. Brodersen’s impact was felt on the defensive side of the ball as he coached and mentored Bryant’s top-three defensive long poles – all of whom earned All-NEC honors. Bryant also excelled at the “X” under Brodersen’s watch as he helped develop some impressive talent year after year for the Bulldogs. The string of consistency at the faceoff “X” began with three-time All-American and three-time NEC Player of the Year Kevin Massa. Guided by Brodersen, Mass became the school’s first-ever First Team All-American.
Under Brodersen's tutelage, the Bulldogs' man-down defense has also been a mainstay in the national rankings, spending four-straight seasons ranked in the country's top-10 from 2012-15. Bryant's entire team defense has ranked 12th or better in five of the last eight seasons with two years placing fifth in the nation (2014, 2017).
Prior to his arrival at Bryant, he spent the 2009-10 academic year as an offensive assistant at Springfield College. While with the Pride, he worked specifically with the midfield and managed all aspects of the program’s faceoff unit.
Brodersen was a standout midfielder at Keene State in Keene, N.H., from 2005-09. The 2009 team captain and MVP, he was named a First Team All-Little East selection as a senior and was a four-year Keene State All-Academic Team selection. Brodersen graduated in 2009 with the Owls' all-time program record for ground balls in a game (13), season (83) and career (157).
Brodersen has also been a lacrosse camp coach since 2006, working such camps as the Blue Chip Lacrosse 225, Peak 200 Lacrosse Camp and Next Level Day Camp.
A native of Derry, New Hampshire, Brodersen graduated from Keene State in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts in History.
In 2021, Bryant posted their best start in NCAA Division I program history and went on to win its sixth NEC title. Brodersen’s impact was felt on the defensive side of the ball as he coached and mentored Bryant’s top-three defensive long poles – all of whom earned All-NEC honors. Bryant also excelled at the “X” under Brodersen’s watch as he helped develop some impressive talent year after year for the Bulldogs. The string of consistency at the faceoff “X” began with three-time All-American and three-time NEC Player of the Year Kevin Massa. Guided by Brodersen, Mass became the school’s first-ever First Team All-American.
Under Brodersen's tutelage, the Bulldogs' man-down defense has also been a mainstay in the national rankings, spending four-straight seasons ranked in the country's top-10 from 2012-15. Bryant's entire team defense has ranked 12th or better in five of the last eight seasons with two years placing fifth in the nation (2014, 2017).
Prior to his arrival at Bryant, he spent the 2009-10 academic year as an offensive assistant at Springfield College. While with the Pride, he worked specifically with the midfield and managed all aspects of the program’s faceoff unit.
Brodersen was a standout midfielder at Keene State in Keene, N.H., from 2005-09. The 2009 team captain and MVP, he was named a First Team All-Little East selection as a senior and was a four-year Keene State All-Academic Team selection. Brodersen graduated in 2009 with the Owls' all-time program record for ground balls in a game (13), season (83) and career (157).
Brodersen has also been a lacrosse camp coach since 2006, working such camps as the Blue Chip Lacrosse 225, Peak 200 Lacrosse Camp and Next Level Day Camp.
A native of Derry, New Hampshire, Brodersen graduated from Keene State in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts in History.
Carroll Kennedy
Assistant Coach
Bio
Kennedy comes to Friartown after spending the 2022 season as a Volunteer Assistant Coach at Maryland, working alongside Benson. The Terps completed the season with an 18-0 record and claimed the NCAA title. Prior to joining the staff at Maryland, Kennedy served in the same capacity at Hartford during the 2021 campaign.
He also served as Head Coach at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tenn. and an Assistant Coach at Limestone University. While at Limestone, Carroll was named USILA Assistant Coach of the Year in 2015. During his five seasons with the Saints, he helped guide the program to three NCAA Division II National Championships and an overall record of 92-12.
Kennedy played lacrosse at the collegiate level for four years, beginning his career at Monroe Community College (2007-08) before transferring to Adelphi University (2009-10). He was a Second Team All-Region selection at Monroe Community College. Upon his arrival to Adelphi, he helped guide his squad to the NCAA Division II Tournament. Kennedy capped off his career by earning a spot on the NE-10 Spring All-Conference Team in 2010.
After graduation, Kennedy returned to his alma mater to kick off his college coaching career. As an assistant coach, he helped lead Adelphi to a 14-3 overall record, a No. 4 national ranking and a berth in the NCAA Division II National Semifinals.
Kennedy graduated in 2010 from Adelphi with a Bachelor's in sports management with a minor in business. In May of 2013, he earned a Master of Arts in Physical Education from Adelphi.
He also served as Head Coach at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tenn. and an Assistant Coach at Limestone University. While at Limestone, Carroll was named USILA Assistant Coach of the Year in 2015. During his five seasons with the Saints, he helped guide the program to three NCAA Division II National Championships and an overall record of 92-12.
Kennedy played lacrosse at the collegiate level for four years, beginning his career at Monroe Community College (2007-08) before transferring to Adelphi University (2009-10). He was a Second Team All-Region selection at Monroe Community College. Upon his arrival to Adelphi, he helped guide his squad to the NCAA Division II Tournament. Kennedy capped off his career by earning a spot on the NE-10 Spring All-Conference Team in 2010.
After graduation, Kennedy returned to his alma mater to kick off his college coaching career. As an assistant coach, he helped lead Adelphi to a 14-3 overall record, a No. 4 national ranking and a berth in the NCAA Division II National Semifinals.
Kennedy graduated in 2010 from Adelphi with a Bachelor's in sports management with a minor in business. In May of 2013, he earned a Master of Arts in Physical Education from Adelphi.
Shawn Ewert
Assistant Coach
Bio
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Providence College men's lacrosse Head Coach Bobby Benson announced today (Aug. 15) that Shawn Ewert has joined the staff as an assistant coach.
"We are extremely excited to welcome Shawn Ewert to the Friar Family," Benson said. "It caught my attention the last few years that he is a tireless recruiter and his work as offensive coordinator at Florida Southern was truly impressive. Most importantly, Shawn is a great person. Our student-athletes will benefit tremendously working with him. He is a rising star in the coaching profession, and we look forward to his contributions in Friartown."
Ewert spent the last two season at Florida Southern, where he served as assistant coach and offensive coordinator. During his tenure, he helped guide Florida Southern to a 25-11 record.
In his first season leading the offense, the Moccasins ranked seventh in NCAA Division II in points per game (24.33), eighth in assists per game (9.22) and 12th in scoring offense (15.11). In 2023 as Ewert's offensive unit ranked third in NCAA Division II in scoring offense (17.50), fourth in points per game (27.17), sixth in scoring margin (+7.44) and 10th in assists per game (9.67).
Prior to joining the staff at Florida Southern he served as a volunteer assistant coach for Bucknell University for two seasons (2020-21) and a graduate assistant for Jacksonville University in 2019.
Ewert was a standout lacrosse player at Jacksonville. He finished his career ranked in the program's top five in career games started, career points and career assists. Additionally, he was named the team's 2016 Offensive MVP after setting the program's single-season assist record, with 23.
Ewert obtained his bachelor's degree in sports business, with a minor in coaching, from Jacksonville in 2018. He went on to earn a master's degrees in sports management and business administration in 2019.
"We are extremely excited to welcome Shawn Ewert to the Friar Family," Benson said. "It caught my attention the last few years that he is a tireless recruiter and his work as offensive coordinator at Florida Southern was truly impressive. Most importantly, Shawn is a great person. Our student-athletes will benefit tremendously working with him. He is a rising star in the coaching profession, and we look forward to his contributions in Friartown."
Ewert spent the last two season at Florida Southern, where he served as assistant coach and offensive coordinator. During his tenure, he helped guide Florida Southern to a 25-11 record.
In his first season leading the offense, the Moccasins ranked seventh in NCAA Division II in points per game (24.33), eighth in assists per game (9.22) and 12th in scoring offense (15.11). In 2023 as Ewert's offensive unit ranked third in NCAA Division II in scoring offense (17.50), fourth in points per game (27.17), sixth in scoring margin (+7.44) and 10th in assists per game (9.67).
Prior to joining the staff at Florida Southern he served as a volunteer assistant coach for Bucknell University for two seasons (2020-21) and a graduate assistant for Jacksonville University in 2019.
Ewert was a standout lacrosse player at Jacksonville. He finished his career ranked in the program's top five in career games started, career points and career assists. Additionally, he was named the team's 2016 Offensive MVP after setting the program's single-season assist record, with 23.
Ewert obtained his bachelor's degree in sports business, with a minor in coaching, from Jacksonville in 2018. He went on to earn a master's degrees in sports management and business administration in 2019.