Former MIAC Champion Gabe Benson Named Head Coach
Former Concordia standout student-athlete, and MIAC champion, Gabe Benson has been named the new head coach for the Cobber men's golf program.
MOORHEAD, Minn. (7/22/26)---Concordia-Moorhead Athletic Director Rachel Bergeson announced that former Cobber standout student-athlete, and MIAC champion, Gabe Benson has been named the new head coach for the men's golf program.
Benson takes over for Nathaniel Kahlbaugh, who stepped down after last year's fall season.
"We are excited to welcome Gabe back to Concordia," Bergeson said. "He brings integrity, competitiveness and a deep understanding of Concordia College. Coming from a proud line of Cobbers, he understands the tradition, values, and expectations that make this place special. His own outstanding collegiate golf career speaks to his dedication and competitive spirit, and we are excited to see him bring those same qualities to our Cobber men's golf program."
Benson played for the Cobbers from 2022 through 2024 and then transferred to North Dakota State University where he played the last two seasons and was an integral part of the Bison's Summit League Championship this past spring.
"I wanted to become the men's golf coach because of the impact this program had in my life," Benson said. "I know how important this team was to me and others. I want to give back and be able to give others the amazing experiences that I had when I was at Concordia."
Benson became only the second individual player in Cobber men's golf history to win the MIAC individual championship when he won the title in the fall of 2023. Benson shot a 5-under total of 211 at the conference which is the lowest score by a Concordia golfer at a 3-day MIAC Meet in the program's history.
Benson went on to earn Golf Coaches Association of America All-American (GCAA) honors in the spring of 2024. He was the first Cobber golfer to earn GCAA All-American honors in the recent history of the program.
Following his sophomore season, Benson transferred to NCAA Division I NDSU and was a member of the Bison's Summit League Championship team in 2024. He played in all 13 events this past season and finished sixth at the conference championship meet.
Benson also excelled as a student-athlete as he was named to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team. He earned Summit League Academic All-League honors as a senior and was placed on the Summit League Academic Honor Roll after his junior season.
Benson graduated from North Dakota State with a degree in Finance and is currently pursuing his master's degree.
"I am looking forward to getting to know the team better and creating relationships with the players," Benson added.
Bergeson stated that Benson will begin his head coaching duties on August 3.