SAINT PETER, Minn. – Benton Frayne, the Gustavus women’s soccer assistant coach from 2015-18, is returning to the program as the associate head coach for the 2023 season. Frayne spent the last four years as the head women’s soccer coach at Buena Vista University.
“We are incredibly excited and fortunate to welcome Benton back to the hill,” said Head Coach Laura Burnett-Kurie. “He proved himself as a head coach for the last four years at BV by elevating the program and instilling a competitive edge. To think he was a member of our coaching staff during, arguably, our program’s most successful stint in recent history, and now four years later with more experience, knowledge and perspective, to have him back on staff is inspiring.”
As the head coach at Buena Vista, Frayne in his first season doubled the team’s win total from the previous season. Frayne’s final season with the Beavers in 2022 proved to be the program’s best in over a decade. The Beavers nearly doubled their goal production and cut their goals against by 24.
“This is an unbelievable opportunity to come home to a place I love and have such fond memories,” Frayne said. “Gustavus’s commitment to the student athlete is outstanding. I want to thank Brownie [Athletic Director Tom Brown] and the rest of the Gustavus community for welcoming me back with open arms. Let’s go.”
As the assistant coach at Gustavus from 2015-18, Frayne helped direct the Gusties to three consecutive conference tournament appearances, including the 2015 MIAC playoff championship and NCAA tournament appearance. The Gusties compiled an overall record of 38-29-11 in Frayne’s four seasons. Prior to Gustavus, Frayne was an assistant coach at Bethany Lutheran College from 2013-14. A native of Albert Lea, Minn., Frayne completed his Bachelor of Science in recreation and tourism at Winona State University in the spring of 2009 and earned a Master’s Degree in Sport Management from Minnesota State University, Mankato.
Benton and his wife Jacqui have a son, William.