FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Nova Southeastern University track and field head coach Bryan Hagopian is pleased to announce the hiring of Chris Benassi as assistant coach for the men's and women's track and field teams.

Benassi comes to the Sharks from Humboldt State University where he spent three years as the assistant coach and recruit coordinator for the cross country and track and field teams. During that time, Benassi coached 15 NCAA Championship qualifiers and eight CCAA champions while working to recruit athletes from every event. Prior to Humboldt State, Benassi was the head coach at Elizabeth Seton High School in Bladensburg, MD. from 2012-2013, Southern High School IN Annapolis, MD. from 2011-2012 and was the assistant coach at Dulaney High School in Timonium, MD. in 2010. 

After receiving his masters in Kinesiology at Humbolt State University, Benassi coached the running club at the University of San Diego where he designed science-based training programs for runners. Benassi also coached one runner that qualified for the Boston marathon in 2016.  

"I am happy with Chris being a part of our coaching staff, he brings a lot of knowledge and enthusiasm that makes thing team really unique." Hagopian said. "What I like about Chris is that he has scientific knowledge of running. He individualizes workouts for each athletes and incorporates them in team workouts. He knew exactly what he was talking about when he first came for the job when he did his research on all of our athletes and came up with recommended workout programs that will help them run faster and stay injury free." 

Originally from Maryland, Benassi earned his bachelor's degree at Auburn University.