Michael Behonick, the Western Oregon men’s soccer coach who earned two GNAC Coach of the Year honors, announced he will leave the university to take an assistant coaching position at Oregon State.
A Record of Rapid Rise
During his three‑year tenure, Behonick guided the Wolves to back‑to‑back NCAA Tournament appearances, captured two GNAC tournament titles and lifted the program to a peak national ranking of No. 10. His squads compiled a 34‑13‑5 record over the period, a dramatic turnaround from the 2‑13‑2 mark they posted in their inaugural NCAA season.
The 2024 campaign was especially memorable when the Wolves upset No. 6 Point Loma to record the program’s first ever NCAA Tournament victory, cementing Behonick’s reputation as a builder of winning culture.
What’s Next for the Wolves
With Behonick’s departure, Western Oregon will embark on a national search for his successor. Athletic director Randi Lydum will lead the effort, aiming to preserve the momentum the coach established and to continue the program’s ascent in the competitive West Coast conference.