Bennett Earns 10th ABCA/ATEC NJCAA DII Regional Coach of the Year Honor

Head Coach Rodney Bennett was named the 2026 ABCA/ATEC NJCAA Division II Regional Coach of the Year, the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) announced this week.

One of 12 recipients of the honor, Bennett earned his 10th career ABCA/ATEC Regional Coach of the Year award. Under his leadership, the Cougars advanced to the NJCAA Division II Baseball World Series for the eighth time and finished the 2026 season with a 37–15 overall record.

During the season, FCC set single-season program records in stolen bases (150) and walks (328). The Cougars also surged late, winning 19 of their final 21 Region 20 Division II contests to secure the No. 1 seed in the Region 20 Tournament. FCC went on to defend its title, capturing its 10th Region 20 Tournament championship in 24 years.

Bennett's career record now stands at 898–337, good for a .727 winning percentage.

See the complete list of 2026 ABCA/ATEC Regional Coaches of the Year Announced