Head Coach Corey Phelps
Corey Phelps begins his second season at St. Kate's after spending 12 seasons as an assistant coach. His first season was highlited by a fifth place finish in the MIAC regular season standings, which lead to the first conference playoff appearance in 16 years for the Wildcats.
Prior to joining the Wildcats he spent the 2008-2009 seasons at the University of Wisconsin River Falls (UWRF). While at UWRF Phelps not only assisted with the team's on-court training, but was also active in recruiting for the Falcons and was an instructor at their summer volleyball camps. With Phelps assistance the Falcons have gone from 8-26 record in 2007 to to a 20-15 record this past season. At River Falls Phelps also served the campus community as a Health Education Coordinator.
Before his stay at UWRF, Phelps spent four seasons as the top assistant coach at UM-Morris and six years as an assistant coach at St. Mary's University in Winona. At both institutions he directed the schools intramural sports programs.
Phelps played collegiate volleyball at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa. While at Graceland, Phelps was team captain and earned all-conference honors from the outside hitter position. He also helped the team qualify for the national tournament, where they finished second in 1994. Corey graduated from Graceland in 1995 with a bachelor's degree in Physical Education and Health. He received a Master of Arts Degree in Human Development from St. Mary's University in 2010.
Assistant Coach Kim Benka
Kim Benka is excited to start her first year as the top assistant coach at St. Kate's. She was the head coach at Minneapolis South High School in 2010 and was an assistant varsity coach since 2001 around the metro. Kim also has been coaching at MN Select Volleyball Club for five seasons.
Kim graduated with an Early Childhood Education degree and coaching minor from St. Cloud State University in 2001. Playing at SCSU, she was an All-Conference and All-Region middle hitter, team captain and 3 time offensive MVP. Along with volleyball, she competed in Track and Field as a high jumper, winning outdoor conference in 2001.
Living in South Minneapolis, Kim is married to Matt Benka and is the mom of Isaac (8) and Madelyn (5).
Assistant Coach Kaylene Mrozinski
Kaylene Mrozinski, a North Saint Paul native, is in her second season with St. Kate's. She, along with being an assistant volleyball coach is an admission counselor here at St. Kate's. Kaylene brings a great deal of positive energy and enthusiasm to the volleyball program.
Mrozinski graduated in December 2006 from St. Mary's University with a double major in Marketing and Management. At St. Mary's, Mrozinski played on the volleyball team and was honored as one of the team captains her senior season. In 2008, Mrozinski started working towards her Master's degree in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Sports Management. She is excited for a great season and is looking forward to being a part of the St. Kate's community.
Assistant Coach Colby Mattson
Colby is in his second season on the Wildcats coaching staff. He brings a wealth of knowledge at the setting position to the program and his contributions to the team are noticeable on and off the court.
An Anoka, MN native, Colby started his collegiate volleyball career at George Mason University before transferring to the University of Minnesota his sophomore year. While at UM, Colby was a Big Ten/MIVA All-Conference setter and was the Big Ten MVP in 1997. During his career at UM, the Gophers finished third at the national championships two times.
Colby has coached numerous volleyball camps around the Midwest and spent a year as an assistant coach at Macalester College. He holds a Master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Minnesota.
