Oregon State University announced this week that Michael Behonick will join the Beavers' men's soccer program as an assistant coach, a move that adds a seasoned tactician with a proven track record of championship success.
Behonick arrives after a distinguished tenure at Western Oregon University, where he captured back‑to‑back Great Northwest Athletic Conference titles and earned Coach of the Year honors, guiding the team to its first two NCAA Tournament appearances.
A Strategic Boost for the Beavers
His impact extended beyond the West Coast; at the University of Pittsburgh he recruited eight MLS Draft picks and developed four All‑Americans, while also serving as an assistant with the River Hounds and contributing to Penn State, Virginia and several U.S. Soccer youth national teams.
Beyond the tactical board, Behonick brings a personal connection to the Corvallis community; he is married to Lindsey Behonick, the current head volleyball coach at Oregon State, intertwining two of the university's athletic programs.
The hiring comes as the Beavers look to build on a 10‑5‑2 record from the 2025 season, a campaign that ended with a narrow loss to the Washington Huskies in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.
With the Pac‑12 Conference set to be reborn this fall, the new coaching addition is viewed as a strategic boost for a program eager to compete at the highest level of collegiate soccer.
Behonick's blend of championship experience, player development acumen, and regional ties positions him as a key figure in Oregon State's ambition to re‑establish itself as a powerhouse in the revived Pac‑12.
The university's athletic department highlighted his extensive network across the Pacific Northwest and his ability to mentor both emerging talent and veteran players, noting that his background aligns perfectly with the school's vision for sustained growth.
Fans and alumni alike have responded positively, anticipating that his arrival will not only sharpen the team's competitive edge but also deepen community engagement through his family's prominent role in campus athletics.