The Benoit name is synonymous with Miami Dade College volleyball.
More than 25 years ago, Olga Benoit led the Lady Sharks to an undefeated season and a National Junior College Athletic Association National Championship as the team’s setter.
Four years later, her husband Origenes “Kiko” Benoit, took over as the team’s head coach—after 10 years as an assistant—guiding them to national titles in 2016, 2017 and 2025.
Now, their daughter, Angeline Benoit, is poised to add her own chapter.
This fall, the freshman libero joins the defending national champions after a standout career at Mater Academy Charter High School.
“At first, I wasn’t planning on playing college volleyball,” Angeline said. “I just wanted to play volleyball for fun. But it was always my dream to play with my dad and win a championship with him. I think that’s the reason I’m playing college volleyball—to come here and help him win a championship.”
At Mater Academy, Angeline established herself as one of the program’s top performers and one of South Florida’s most consistent offensive threats. During her senior season, she earned multiple Player of the Game honors while leading the Lions with 299 kills, averaging 5.5 kills per set and posting a .541 hitting percentage.
Her ability to produce points efficiently and perform in key moments helped fuel Mater Academy to a 13-5 record and a second-place district standing.
“I was happy. I was proud,” Olga said about Angeline’s decision to join her dad’s team as they attempt to win back-to-back national titles. “I was actually kind of expecting it, but at the same time I knew it came with a lot of responsibility.”
Angeline’s journey has required years of hustle.
“We’ve sacrificed a lot of time,” Olga said. “Club volleyball means practicing year-round, traveling on weekends, and it’s an expensive sport. We were fortunate to have the time and the resources to help her reach this level.”
Kiko has watched every stage of his daughter’s development, from teaching her the fundamentals to now coaching her at the collegiate level.
“She’s a fighter,” Kiko said. “She works very, very hard and she’s become a totally different player.”
Kiko stepped down as her coach during her final two years of club volleyball, allowing her to gain experience hearing a different approach.
Now they are reunited at MDC.
“When she steps onto the court, she’s not my daughter. She’s another player,” Kiko said. “Outside the court, yes, she’s my daughter. But inside the court she’s like every single one of my athletes.”
Kiko believes Angeline’s competitiveness and skill set will immediately benefit the Sharks.
“She’s a great passer and she’s an amazing server,” Kiko said. “That’s going to help us a lot.”
For Angeline, making an impact goes beyond the stat sheet.
“I hope to bring good energy because I feel like a team starts with good energy,” she said. “If there isn’t good energy, we aren’t going anywhere.”
Her love for volleyball has always been rooted in the relationships and escape the game provides.
“What made me fall in love with volleyball was that the second you step onto the court, everything else turns off,” Angeline said. “It’s just you and your teammates. The second I step onto the court, everything disappears.”
Her parents hope her time at MDC shapes more than her volleyball career.
“I hope she grows not only as an athlete, but also as a person and becomes a better person after she leaves Miami Dade,” Olga said.
Kiko echoed that sentiment.
“I want her to appreciate every moment on the court because those are memories she’s going to have forever,” he said. “Meeting new friends and enjoying the experience—that’s priceless.”
For Olga, Miami Dade volleyball changed her life in more ways than one.
“Volleyball has given me everything—even my husband,” she said.
Now, more than two decades after the program brought Olga and Kiko together, they’re watching their daughter begin her own journey in the same uniform.
And if Angeline has her way, the family’s legacy at MDC won’t just continue—it will grow.
“I want to win a championship and bring one home,” Angeline said.
