Longtime soccer coach given Sam Wilkinson Award for volunteerism

(Aug. 13, 2020) Eric Benson on Wednesday was given the Sam Wilkinson Award in recognition of his volunteer efforts for Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks programs.   

The presentation occurred during a special Board meeting at the Ocean Pines Golf Clubhouse.  

Recreation and Parks Director Debbie Donahue said the annual presentation of the award began in 2003 to honor 8-year-old Sam Wilkinson, who died in a tragic water accident in Ocean City.  

Wilkinson played soccer in Ocean Pines and his father, Bob, was a volunteer coach for Ocean Pines Recreation programs.  

"As a way to honor the memory of Sam and the Wilkinson Family for their dedication to the Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department, this award was established to recognize other outstanding individuals who dedicate their time and talents to help others," Donahue said. "Each year, the Recreation and Parks Department honors one volunteer that stands out in our department.” 

This year, the award was given to Benson, who Donahue said has spent countless hours over the last five years volunteering for soccer programs in Ocean Pines. She said Benson has extensive coaching experience, is licensed to coach by the United States Soccer Federation, and was once recognized by U.S. Youth Soccer as a national “coach of the month.” 

Donahue said Benson was born in England and grew up watching Manchester United games and playing soccer. His other passion was music, and he played keyboard in a local rock band that opened for legendary artists including The Kinks and The Who.  

After college, Benson worked through the ranks of a major U.K. company and later moved to New York to work for the John F. Kennedy International Airport. He later transferred to Dulles International Airport, in Virginia, and retired after 14 years as the logistics director of an international company also based in that state.  

"Prior to retiring in Ocean Pines, he coached several competitive travel youth teams in Virginia for over 20 years, two of which were state champions and regional finalists," Donahue said.  

Benson has two sons who live in Virginia and has been married for 36 year to his wife, Nina, who is a volunteer at the Ocean City Library. 

Donahue said, "He's stated, 'My coaching approach has always been to show enthusiasm, honesty and humor. Players pick up on the passion that I give. It's the things that give me the most enjoyment, when a player responds and just enjoys the game. We provide a nurturing, fun and positive environment to our Ocean Pines players. Both Coach Joe [Monteverde] and Recreational Supervisor Katie Goetzinger are great, and we bond well together.'” 

Benson thanked Donahue for the award, and also thanked Goetzinger and Monteverde, who is a prior Wilkinson Award winner. 

“Combined, we run a nice program. It's very good for our kids, here in Ocean Pines,” Benson said. "Whatever I provide for coaching, I get more than that back with the kids. It's fun to see them improve [and] to enjoy the game, and that's been my one aim in life." 

Benson also thanked his wife, "for these countless thousands of hours she's allowed me to play soccer [and] to coach." 

"Our theory is, I could be doing worse things," he said with a laugh. "Thank you for this award. It's an honor." 

To view video of the meeting, visit https://youtu.be/_WXjKrVIvOU.