Blake Bennett Named Baseball Head Coach

Newly appointed Memphis University School Baseball Head Coach Blake Bennett, MUS Class of 2014, stopped by the donor recognition wall at the school’s Thorn Field to point out his father’s plaque. David L. Bennett, Jr. died January 7, 2013, following a battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease, and the 2013 Owl baseball team dedicated the plaque in memory of the standout pitcher’s dad.
It was a poignant example of Blake Bennett’s deep connection to the school. He also brings broad experience acquired over the past decade.

In announcing that Bennett will rejoin his alma mater July 8, Headmaster Pete Sanders praised the coach. “Blake will bring to our program baseball knowledge that was honed at the college level and in the professional ranks. Closer to home, he is an MUS alumnus, coached at Rhodes College, and previously served as an assistant for the Owls. He knows our commitment to being competitive on the field while upholding the MUS mission and high standards in the classroom. Blake is a fit!”

Bennett is enthusiastic about his new role. “First, I would like to thank God for the opportunity. I am extremely honored to come back and lead the baseball program. MUS is a very special place to my family and me, and I couldn’t be more excited for the opportunities ahead. I am looking forward to getting to know the boys and getting to work.”

Bennett served as head baseball coach and dean of students at First Assembly Christian School in Memphis for the past year. Previously, he was pitching and catching coach at Rhodes College, where the pitching staff broke the school record in strikeouts with 361 (2022). Bennett recruited high academic student-athletes from 30 different states and had three pitchers receive all-conference honors.

In 2021-22 the former Owl quarterback was an assistant MUS football coach, working with wide receivers and quarterbacks and acting as head coach and offensive coordinator for junior varsity games. He also volunteered as a coach with the school’s baseball team for the 2021 season. Since 2019 he has been the head coach at Easley Baseball travel club in Memphis, coaching high school-aged players.

After graduating from MUS, Bennett attended the University of Mississippi and took a redshirt season with the varsity baseball team. He transferred to Itawamba Community College (Mississippi) for a year and finished his college career at the University of Memphis (compiling 66 strikeouts in 72 innings). He also played professionally in the Philadelphia Phillies organization from June 2018 to July 2019.

At U of M he earned a bachelor’s degree in sport and leisure management (2019) and a master’s in physical education (2023).

Director of Athletics Thad McCracken is pleased with the expertise and energy Bennett brings to MUS baseball. “Blake is not only a great baseball coach but also a proud alumnus. He has a passion for the sport, for teaching and coaching young men, and for MUS. I am excited about his vision for the program and can’t wait to see him get to work. The future is bright, and it’s a great time be an Owl!”
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