OSKALOOSA — William Penn Head Men’s Volleyball Coach Luke Bentley has been recognized for his efforts beyond wins and losses as he was named the 2024 Heart of America Athletic Conference Coach of Character Monday.

Bentley, who recently concluded his fifth season as head coach of the Statesmen, took WPU to the NAIA National Championship semifinals back in April.  Through five campaigns, he owns a 79-58 record and has guided the navy and gold to one conference regular season crown and two NAIA Nationals appearances.

Bentley has been steadfast in his commitment to the NAIA’s Champions of Character program, which revolves around the five core values of Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Sportsmanship, and Servant Leadership.  In addition to a slew of individual awards athletically and academically, four of Bentley’s squads have been named an NAIA Scholar Team and numerous individuals have been in leadership roles throughout William Penn’s campus.  The 2024 Statesmen crew earned the Heart Musco Team Sportsmanship Award for men’s volleyball as well.

“Winning the Coach of Character Award reflects the high standards and integrity with which Coach Bentley runs his program, fostering a culture of excellence and high character among his student-athletes,” William Penn Athletics Director Aleesha Rabedeaux said.  “We are grateful to have Coach Bentley on our team and a leader within our campus community!”

A committee of representatives from the Heart voted on the award.

Bentley will now be in contention for the NAIA Coach of Character award which will be announced in September.