Ashley Benkert joins the Marist swimming and diving coaching staff after a decorated collegiate career at Iona University and extensive experience coaching swimmers at the club and summer-league levels.
A native of Highland, New York, Benkert swam at Iona from 2021 through 2025, specializing in sprint freestyle, butterfly, and individual medley events. During her collegiate career, she became a two-time conference champion in the 100-yard butterfly and also helped capture a conference title in the 200-yard medley relay and two conference championships in the 400-yard medley relay. Benkert was part of the 400-yard medley relay team that held the conference record from 2022-23. She was also an All-MAAC finalist in both the 200-yard individual medley and 200-yard butterfly.
Prior to her collegiate career, Benkert competed for the New Paltz Hawks club team and the New Paltz Seahawks. She has continued her involvement in the sport through coaching, spending two years as a club coach with the New Paltz Hawks Association and six years as a summer league coach with the New Paltz Seahawks.
Benkert has also gained experience working with collegiate athletes in strength and conditioning settings. She has interned at both Fordham University and Marist University, assisting with teams including football, swimming, water polo, softball, and baseball in the weight room.
Benkert graduated from Iona University in 2025 and is currently pursuing a graduate degree in exercise science.
