Hello, my name is Carlie Benes. At first glance, you might think that my last name is pronounced “Bens” or “Benis” or maybe even “Beans”. Sorry to disappoint, it is actually pronounced “Ben-ish”. I always love when people try to pronounce my last name because they almost never get it right.
I am from by a small town in Nebraska called Valparaiso. I have grown up on a farm my whole life, where we raise cattle, pigs, chickens, cats, a donkey and a dog. Along with the chaotic farm life, I also have two siblings – an older sister and a younger brother. Other than annoying my siblings or work on the farm in my free time, I also do photography. Photography has been a passion of mine ever since I was little.
From a young age not only did I have a passion for photography, but I also had a undying love for softball. I always knew I wanted to play softball at the collegiate level. College softball has been a little different for me, compared to most people. With having little exposure in high school I deiced to go the JUCO route. After falling in love with Iowa Western Community College, I was certain that was the place I wanted to spend my first two years of college. I went on to start for two years in the outfield and had a successful career at the junior college level. After Iowa Western, I knew I was not ready to hang up the cleats yet. So I transferred to a four year university. Last year, I attended University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois. Unfortunately, I did not end up loving it there or even really liking it at all. So what did I do? I transferred again! This time to Morningside University.
Although I have only been on campus for not even a week yet, I know this is exactly where I am supposed to be. I could not be more excited to be a Mustang this year!
-Carlie