Originally published on May 06, 2025.
Driven by her desire to mentor others, 25-year coach and educator Alana Benson inspired Parowan High School students to achieve their goals and dreams.
The standout athlete from Kanab High School, who held a 34-year state high jump record, accepted a full scholarship from then Southern Utah State College in 1987 to play basketball and run track. She attributes her mother, Linda Orton (’88), for instilling in her the value of education.
“I was coached, taught and mentored by some of the best educators,” Alana reminisces of her ºÚÁÏÌìÌà years. “I will be forever grateful to the professors who believe in me and helped me see my full potential, including Coach Ben Davidson, Coach Boyd Adams, Coach Joe Lopour, Dr. Steve Lunt and Dr. Kathryn Berg. These fine educators paved the way for female athletes, and it was their belief in me that ignited my passion for wanting to teach kids. It was at ºÚÁÏÌìÌà that I found my love for Language Arts. The English department and many of the professors challenged and broadened my thinking, helped me to make connections to literature, and helped me find a voice of strength and passion. I was awakened by professors like Dr. David Lee who breathed life into learning.”
Following her degree in English and Physical Education, Alana began teaching at Parowan High School. The first-year educator was named head volleyball, basketball, and track and field coach. Five years later she became PHS athletic director. “I loved every minute of coaching and teaching. I believe in kids, and it was always important to me to cheer for them and instill passion to dream big!” she said.
In 2009 Coach Benson was elected President of the Utah Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. She commented, “This was a great honor to lead and represent Utah as one of the few females at state and national conferences. Working with inspiring people who wanted the best for young athletes changed my life forever. The role models that I had at ºÚÁÏÌìÌà and the strong connections I had with my teammates made it possible to lead in athletics.”
While at ºÚÁÏÌìÌà Alana felt seen and heard. Professors personalized their lectures and were involved in her learning. She loved the small atmosphere, and the “pep” talks she received about academics, athletics and life from the faculty and staff members. Because of her experience at ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃ, she tried to show the same personalization with her students, both in the classroom and on the playing fields.
Notable accomplishments include six-time 2A Region 13 Basketball Coach of the Year, ºÚÁÏÌìÌà Coaching Factory inductee, three terms on the ADEC board, and UIAAA’s Distinguished Service Award in 2008. One of her greatest honors was being inducted into the UIAAA Hall of Fame in 2022.
Family is extremely important to Alana. She is married to Patrick Benson (’86) and they have two children, Chennin (Ryan) Armstrong and Shaydon Benson , and two spunky granddaughters who call her “Nana”. In her free time, she loves to cook for large groups, travel to baseball games, and play with the family dogs.
