Smith College Athletics

Rita Benson, Associate Professor Emeritus, was a beloved coach and instructor in the Athletics and Exercise and Sport Studies departments at Smith for 39 years. She was a gifted teacher of swimming, basketball, field hockey, crew and golf, and led the Lifeguards, Smith’s synchronized swimming club for over 30 years. Benson was the first coach of the Crew Club in 1973, and in 1978, it became a varsity intercollegiate sport. For 26 years Benson organized and ran the Head of the Paradise Regatta. Because of her dedication and passion for crew, Rita had a shell named after her in 1984 and a second one dedicated to her in 2008. Known as a great organizer, Rita enjoyed her role as a College Marshal and was in charge of Sophomore Push, Junior Ushers, and the Seniors at Ivy Day and Commencement. Because of her powerful connection to her students, they selected her to be the first recipient of the Elisabeth Gavel award, given for outstanding service to the college community. Additionally, she received the Clara Barton Award for Extraordinary Service for her 50 plus years volunteering for the Hampshire County Chapter of the American Red Cross.