Rachel Benders joined the NSU rowing coaching staff as a graduate assistant in the fall of 2013.
Benders is a graduate of Washington College and earned an undergraduate degree in economics. While there, Benders was a four-year member of the rowing team. Benders quickly developed into a leader and was a captain for three seasons. She was named team MVP as a senior.
Her list of accomplishments is long and includes being named to the Mid-Atlantic Academic All-Conference team for three straight seasons. Benders was also a three-time CRCA National Scholar from 2011-13. She was also named to the ECAC National Invitational Rowing Championships Stewards' All-Academic Team in 2013.
Benders was a major contributor to a winning program at Washington. She raced in the seven seat of the varsity-8 at the NCAA Division III Rowing National Championships. Her boat claimed fifth in the grand final in the program's first appearance.
Benders is a native of Cleveland Heights, Ohio.
