COACH BEN BENITEZ — HIGH SCHOOL COACH OF THE YEAR THE MAN WHO CHANGED THE CITY

By Valley Life 247Sports Staff

Some coaches win games.Some coaches build programs.

Coach Ben Benitez changed a city.

Over the last two years, he has become one of the most talked-about coaches not just in Moreno Valley — but across Southern California. What he has done with his program belongs in the record books, but what he has done for young men belongs in the hall of impact.

He didn’t just out-coach the league.He rewrote the narrative.

FROM DOUBT TO DOMINANCE

For years, Moreno Valley High School carried a label — one that said the program couldn’t rise, couldn’t compete, couldn’t win.

Coach Ben erased that.

Through discipline, belief, and relentless standards, he turned doubt into confidence and built a culture that demanded excellence. The past two seasons have been historic, restoring pride to a program and to a community that had been waiting for change.

MORE THAN FOOTBALL

Coach Ben loves the game — but he loves people more.

His mission is bigger than Friday nights. He coaches young men for life. From the moment a student-athlete enters his program, Coach Ben personally helps manage academics, character, and college preparation.

He doesn’t wait until senior year.He starts on Day One.

He ensures every player understands that education is the path forward — and that football is the vehicle, not the destination.

A LEADER IN THE CLASSROOM AND THE COMMUNITY

Recently named Teacher of the Year, Coach Ben’s impact stretches far beyond the field. Together with his family, he integrates deeply into the school and the city, serving as a visible example of leadership, consistency, and compassion.

This is not just a job to him.This is a calling.

A CITY IN HIS DEBT

Moreno Valley is better because of Coach Ben Benitez.

Better athletes.Better students.Better young men.

He has given the west side of Moreno Valley hope, structure, and a future. And for that, the city owes him more than applause — it owes him gratitude.

Coach Ben BenitezHigh School Coach of the Year.A builder of men.A changer of cities. 🏆