Miami-Dade College
LADY SHARKS VOLLEYBALL
ORIGINES “KIKO” BENOIT
Head Coach
Origines “Kiko” Benoit took over the head coaching duties for the Sharks in 2005. Kiko promptly won his first FCCAA State Championship in 2005 and led Miami Dade to a runner-up finish at the 2005 NJCAA National Championships.
In 2006 Kiko and his Lady Sharks captured the Southern Conference Championships, the FCCAA State Championship Runners-up, and made his second NJCAA Tournament Appearance. During the 2006 season, Kiko was also awarded Southern Conference Coach of the Year for the second time. In just 2 short seasons, Kiko has earned 57 victories, 2 Southern Conference Championships , 2 Southern Conference Coach of the Year Awards, FCCAA State Championship, 2006,
Kiko, in his 3rd year as head coach, has been an integral part of Miami-Dade's national recognized women's volleyball team since 1994, dedicating countless hours, both coaching on the floor as well as coordinating recruiting efforts for the Lady Sharks.
Originally from the Dominican Republic, he has had a tremendous influence on our international players who come from all across South America. His influence in acclimating our student athletes to Miami's diverse culture as well as to life in the United States; is often overlooked by those outside the profession.
Because of his and our volleyball staff's tireless dedication, the Miami-Dade College Lady Sharks have won 16 consecutive Florida Community College Activities Association State and Southern Conference titles as well as 6 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I Women's Volleyball National Championships since 1990. In his 12 seasons as an Assistant
Coach at Miami Dade College, he compiled a 336-19 mark, and won 4 NJCAA National titles as well as being National Runner-up 6 times.
In 2002, Kiko was selected as the AFLAC Southeastern Region “Assistant Coach of the Year”. A 1990 graduate of American Senior High School, “Kiko” enjoys tennis and baseball and is a well-known fixture in local men’s volleyball leagues. Kiko graduated from Miami Dade College and finished his 4 years Bachelor’s of Science Degree in General Education, with a Minor in Psychology, from Columbia College Missouri. Kiko is married to wife Olga, a former Miami Dade and Columbia College All-American setter.
PATRICIA BERNARDO
Assistant Coach
The 6’3 Bernardo begins her 3rd season as an assistant coach at Miami Dade. During her playing career for former coach Medero, the Brazilian international from Sao Paulo was a dominant force, as Miami Dade compiled a 66-3 record during her two seasons. A two-time NJCAA National All-Tournament selection, Bernardo was named the 1999 NJCAA National Tournament MVP and was also a 1st Team All-American selection. She was also a two-time FCCAA All-State selection and the FCCAA State Player of the Year in 1999.
JAMES 'JIMMY" EXLEY
Assistant Coach
James “Jimmy” Exley begins his 4th overall season as an Assistant Coach with the Miami Dade Women’s Volleyball Program. Last season, he helped lead the Lady Sharks to a NJCAA National Runner-up Title. He was an Assistant Coach for the 1999 National Championship Team that went 34-0. Coach Exley is also in charge of recruiting for the team. Jimmy was the Head Boys Volleyball Coach at Miami Coral Park Senior High School from 2001-2007.
In 2003, he led the Boys Team to the FHSAA State Championships and placed 3rd and in 2007 repeated the same feat. His overall win-loss record at Coral Park was 161-31 in 6 seasons. The team won 4 District Championships in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2007 and 3 Regional Championships in 2003 and 2007. He is the Boys Head Coach for the Florida Sons 17s team. Coach Exley has been involved in numerous clinics and camps throughout South Florida.
YOLANDA PEREZ
Assistant Coach
“Mrs. P” is the mother of former
Lady Shark standout, Elizabeth Perez (1997-1998). Yolanda’s
enthusiasm and support has been the basis for many Miami-Dade
victories. Whether providing nourishment, Cuban coffee or a kind
word, Yolanda Perez fuels the Miami-Dade effort. She is the glue
that keeps the Lady Sharks together.
