WH grad receives coach of year honors

Donna Benotti

Donna Benotti, a 1987 graduate of Whitehouse High School, has been named the Coach of the Year by the Texas Girls Coaches Association.

The daughter of David and Charlotte Johnson of Whitehouse, Benotti led her volleyball team at Cy Fair High School to the state semifinals and a 37-3 season record.

"I am thankful to have the opportunity to represent the great state of Texas volleyball coaches," said Benotti. "We have so many talented teams and coaches, and it is an honor to be established as one of the top."

Benotti has certainly established herself at Cy Fair. The head coach since 2000, she earned District 17-5A coach of the year nods in 2001, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 and achieved her best record this year, improving on 2005's 36-5 result and last year's 30-8 team.

"It has been a fun year," said Benotti. "I have been so blessed with wonderful student/athletes. I have to admit my athletes are the true reason for any success."

Benotti was a successful athlete during her time at Whitehouse, earning Most Athletic her senior year. The threeyear volleyball letterman received all-district honors in '84 and '85, as well as all-district and all-state in '86.

Benotti also excelled in basketball, lettering four years and picking up all-district mention for '85, '86 and '87.

After high school, she played volleyball and attended Henderson State University, working as a graduate assistant while obtaining her master's degree.

She began her head coaching career at Cedar Valley College (94-96) and moved to Texas A&M Kingsville (96-99) before coming to Cy Fair.

Benotti has also received many NJCAA coaching honors en route to amassing a 356-132 career record.