Grace Bennin

Boys Swim & Dive Varsity Head Coach

Grace Bennin serves as the Head Coach for the Maple Grove Boys Swim & Dive Team and the Hopkins Girls Swim & Dive Team, working with athletes at both the high school and middle school levels. With a decade of coaching experience, she has developed a strong reputation for building competitive and supportive programs. Bennin has led Maple Grove for two years and is entering her second season with Hopkins.

Her coaching journey began at age 15 as a junior coach, and she has since worked with swimmers of all ages and abilities through club programs, private lessons, and collegiate swim camps. Her diverse background in coaching has shaped her ability to connect with athletes and foster growth at every level of the sport.

As a swimmer, Bennin competed for 14 years, culminating in a collegiate career at the University of Minnesota. Her accomplishments include competing at the NCAA Championships, earning a Big Ten Medal, and contributing to a school record-setting 200 freestyle relay. Prior to college, she was a multi-time state champion and set a state record in the 100 breaststroke. She was also honored as the Wisconsin Division I Swimmer of the Year.

Bennin takes great pride in the team culture she and her staff have cultivated at both Maple Grove and Hopkins. She emphasizes a positive, accountable, and team-first environment where athletes support one another and take ownership of their program. Her coaching philosophy prioritizes attitude, effort, leadership, and respect, with the belief that true success extends beyond wins and scores.

Outside of coaching, Bennin works as a school counselor and enjoys engaging in creative projects. She also has two unique pets—a toothless cat and a Russian tortoise.