Former All-State netter Benson now sets standard at Bellevue College

Justine Benson set the pace for the La Conner High School volleyball team’s state title runs in 2018 and 2019.

Now she is stepping up her game even further at the college level.

“I think my overall game has improved significantly,” Benson, a 5’-9” freshman setter for Bellevue College told the Weekly News Thursday. “The pace is definitely a bit faster and more intense, but it has been the most rewarding process.”

Benson has clearly kept pace, helping Bellevue race to five wins in its first six conference matches this fall, including key victories over Whatcom and Skagit Valley College. The former La Conner standout recorded 15 assists when Bellevue defeated SVC in straight-sets at home.

La Conner head volleyball coach Suzanne Marble isn’t surprised by Benson’s seamless transition.

“Justine,” she said, “is the type of athlete who puts in the work to be a better setter and will do what it takes to play at the next level.”

Bellevue and Benson seem an ideal match. The Bulldog volleyball team has been a Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) power for several seasons under coach Jocelyn Lawrence, herself a former top junior college player.

With its recent wins over Edmonds and Whatcom, Bellevue climbed atop the 2021 conference standings.

“Bellevue is lucky to have a setter of her caliber,” Marble said of Benson. “I have a friend who is a ref and she says Justine is the best setter she has seen this year at the junior college level. That’s a huge compliment.”

The numbers back up that appraisal.

Through 20 regular season matches, including non-conference clashes, Benson has delivered 368 assists, 91 digs, and 28 kills.

As a La Conner student-athlete, Benson was quickly introduced to the rigors and rewards of playing for a top-flight program. She was an integral part of a team that claimed back-to-back state 2B net crowns her junior and senior years, earning All-State recognition along the way.

A three-sport star in high school, where she graduated as the girls’ basketball program’s all-time top scorer, the left-handed Benson initially considered playing college volleyball out of state before deciding to remain closer to home.

“I’m so glad I committed to Bellevue,” said Benson. “My teammates and coaches challenge me every day. I’m having so much fun out there on the court.”

Benson began playing volleyball as an eight-year-old, joined through her school years by her twin sister, Joanie. The two, both outstanding students, also frequently paired to sing the National Anthem prior to sports contests and campus special events.

Now it is Benson enjoying the harmony – working in concert with her Bellevue College cohorts.

That camaraderie was much in evidence during the match with SVC, Benson said.

“It was so fun,” she noted afterward. “Everything was clicking for us. Every single aspect of our team game was there that night. It was a really great match.”

That match was reminiscent of the success she experienced in high school, memories that surely won’t fade.

“I definitely miss it around La Conner,” said Benson, who is creating much the same vibe at Bellevue.

Marble anticipates many bright moments ahead for the Bulldogs with Benson setting the team’s attack.

“I am super proud of the way Justine has pushed herself and the way she continues to improve,” said Marble.

Benson assures there will be no let up as she and Bellevue navigate the second half of NWAC North Region matches.

“The transition to college sports has been great,” she said. “I wouldn’t trade coming here for anything because it has been nothing but rewarding.”