Benavia Jenkins

Biography

Following sustained success as both an assistant coach and head coach at the NCAA Division I level, 2022 Southern Conference Coach of the Year Benavia Jenkins was named Charlotte Volleyball's 13th head coach in program history on December 23rd, 2024. Jenkins took the 49ers to new heights in her first year in the Queen City. Charlotte went on to win 17 games, the most in a season since 2017 including eight conference wins, the most since 2021. The Niners had a 10-game winning streak including winning 14 of 15 matches, which was the best stretch in program history since 1981. The +12-win increase from last season was tied for fifth in the NCAA. Under Jenkins’ leadership, three Niners (Annika Thompson, Kristen Birmingham, and Jessica Ricks) were named to the American Conference First Team. The three selections were the most for a single team in the conference. Annika Thompson also received Libero of the Year honors. JENKINS' RESUME Jenkins came to Charlotte following two seasons at Michigan serving as an associate head coach. This season with the Maize and Blue, Michigan went 18-13 including eight wins in rugged Big Ten conference play. Michigan started the season 9-0 before dropping a five-set match to North Carolina, which was selected for the NCAA Tournament. Jenkins also assisted in this year's USA Volleyball National Team Development Program Winter Training Series. "I want to thank Chancellor Gaber for this incredible opportunity," said Jenkins. "I cannot wait to begin this