Bentley returns to Adams State for the Spring 2021 season after serving as Head Men’s Soccer Coach at Waldorf University in Forest City, IA. and after serving as a lead assistant for two seasons at University of Evansville (DI). He led the recruiting efforts and defensive/goalkeeper development for the Purple Aces.
In his previous stint here at Adams State, the 2017 season saw the Grizzlies break records and just narrowly missed out on the program's first conference tournament appearance. However, for the second straight year the Grizzlies were honored by being ranked in the United Soccer Coaches South Central Region's Top 10, with the 2017 team being ranked for six straight weeks. One of the main reasons for the regional recognition was the team's success against foes that have a history of getting the better of the Adams team. ASU saw wins over Rogers State, Regis and CSU-Pueblo for the first time in program history helping the team to a new season best record at 7-10-1.
In his first season, Coach Bentley brought in 21 new players. The team got off to a great start by beating Texas A&M International in double overtime for the first time in program history and giving Coach Bentley his first win in his tenure at Adams State. The team then followed up with their best start in program history with a 3-1 start to lead to the program's first ever regional ranking at No. 9. The 2016 Grizzlies went on to tie the program's best season for wins at 6. For the first time in program history two players were awarded with RMAC All-Conference Honors (Fabbricatore, 2nd team & Wagner, Honorable Mention). Additionally, the team broke records for goals (25), goals per game (1.39), assists (19), assists per game (.94), shots on goal (102), shot percentage (.130) and penalty kicks awarded (3) in a single season.
In addition to being the Grizzlies head coach, Coach Bentley served as an assistant coach with the Southern California Seahorses of the Premier Developmental League (PDL). The PDL is considered the third division in the United States Soccer Leagues Professional Pyramid. Labeled the "Path2Pro", the PDL is an amateur league designed for elite, under 23 aged players who are pursuing a professional career in soccer. In his first season with the team, Coach Bentley assisted in the resurgence of the side, helping to take a perineal 2-win team to a mid-table finish at 5-7-2 in the highly competitive Western Conference Southwest Division.
Before joining Adams State, Bentley served as the lead assistant coach for Lubbock Christian University, a member of the Heartland Conference. During the 2015 campaign, Bentley and the Chaparrals ranked eighth nationally with 18.47 shots per game and compiled an 8-7-2 record.
Prior to LCU, Bentley spent five seasons (2010-15) as the director of soccer for Northwest Christian University (Ore.). His duties were split between coaching both the men’s and women’s soccer teams and ultimately left Northwest Christian as the all-time wins leader for both programs. Additionally, he helped the Beacons notch single-season records for wins and conference points and in 2012 led the women’s team to a double overtime victory against No. 1 ranked Concordia (Ore.). On-field success was matched in the classroom as Bentley’s teams recorded program-bests in team GPA.
Bentley has also served as an assistant coach with Corban University (2009-10), the Cascade Surge (2008-09), and Grand Canyon University (2007). His extensive background with the sport also positioned him as the training director and head coach for the Keizer Soccer Club from 2009-14.
As a player, Bentley played for the Region IV Olympic Development Team, the University of California-Riverside, and Yavapai Junior College before finishing his collegiate career at Corban University. He spent three seasons playing for the Cascade Surge (Salem, Ore.) of the Premier Developmental League in the USL, one season in which he doubled as a player and coach. Additionally, Bentley spent time playing and living in Germany, spending time with AFC Waldorf, VFL Kircheim, and SC Geislingen.
Bentley holds a B.S. degree in Psychology from Corban University, a Premier Diploma from the NSCAA, and a C License from the United States Soccer Federation.
Bentley and his wife, Kara, reside in Alamosa and will soon welcome their first child in January.
