FCC Director of Athletics and Head Baseball Coach, Rodney Bennett, was named the 2026 ABCA/ATEC NJCAA Division II Regional Coach of the Year by the American Baseball Coaches Association, one of the highest honors for junior college baseball coaches. Bennett was one of 12 coaches to receive the award, making this the tenth time he has earned Regional Coach of the Year recognition during his career.
Under his leadership, the Cougars advanced to the NJCAA Division II Baseball World Series for the eighth time and finished the 2026 season with an impressive 37–15 record. Along the way, the team set new program records for stolen bases (150) and walks (328) and finished the season on a remarkable run, winning 19 of its final 21 regional games. The momentum carried the Cougars to their tenth Region 20 Tournament championship in 24 years.
Bennett, who has served as the Cougars’ head coach for 24 years, has built FCC’s baseball program into one of the most successful junior college programs in the nation. His career record of 898–337 reflects nearly three decades of sustained excellence, with a .727 winning percentage.