William Benson '27 Recruiting Profile

My love for the game started with my Great-Grandfather, Eldon Stolpe, who gave up his pro baseball career to fight in WWII and my Grandfather Dr. Vaughn Benson who was a walk on catcher at Wayne State College in the late 60's. I have been playing since I was 3 years old starting with t-ball to where I am now. I have played at every position on the field including pitching. My coaches have found that I excel behind the plate catching and the outfield. My family recently moved to Wakefield Nebraska in 2024 where I have been playing baseball since 2021. My previous town did not have a baseball team so my Mom and Dad would drive me 35 miles to Wakefield so I could play for Wakefield.

People who know me would tell you that my biggest strength is my heart. I care more about the team's success than I do about making myself look good as an individual player.  My father, a decorated USMC veteran, instilled in me a mindset of work harder and never leave a teammate behind. He also taught me to always improve myself as a person and player, trust my teammates, and be a leader by example. If a teammate makes a mistake I don't make fun of them or put them down. Instead, I will joke with them and keep them positive so they can recover.

I'm currently planning on going to seminary to get a MDiv degree. Like all players I dream of one day playing in the MLB. My life goal outside of baseball is to one day become a pastor.