Marc Bentley Leaves Legacy as Springdale Girls Soccer Coach
By: Michael Love
Saturday, December 20, 2025 | 4:47 PM
*Marc Bentley during halftime of a game against Riverview. (Christopher Horner | TribLive)*
Marc Bentley has concluded his tenure as the cherished coach of the Springdale girls soccer team, stepping down last week after an impactful stint. Bentley joined the Dynamos in the summer of 2019, taking over from Jerry Concannon, whose remarkable leadership spanned over a decade. Concannon’s era included an impressive five consecutive trips to the PIAA semifinals, as well as PIAA finals appearances in 2009 and 2011.
Under Bentley’s guidance, the Springdale program not only maintained but flourished. His coaching journey from the 2019-20 season has been marked by consistent playoff appearances—seven seasons in total—with a commendable overall record of 101 wins, 34 losses, and 2 draws. Bentley’s contribution to the program is one that will be remembered as a period of stability and success.
Reflecting on his time, Bentley noted, “The program is in a good place, with a lot of freshmen and sophomores playing valuable minutes in huge games in recent seasons.” His ability to cultivate young talent and guide them through critical matches has undoubtedly set a strong foundation for future teams.
Former Highlands Star Finds New Path
In other soccer news, Gabe Norris, once a standout player for the Highlands boys soccer team, is taking his skills to the professional level. After a successful collegiate career at Robert Morris University and graduating in 2024, Norris has signed with Bridge City FC, a new expansion team in Major League Indoor Soccer.
The Pittsburgh-based team plays its home games at the Sewickley Sports Arena, creating an exciting opportunity for local soccer enthusiasts to witness high-level competition firsthand. Norris is among five former RMU players who are eager to make their mark in this budding professional arena.
A Milestone for Rich Mull
Not far from the soccer field, another coach is celebrating a significant milestone. Rich Mull, the Plum girls basketball coach, recently achieved his 100th victory with the Mustangs following a decisive 43-24 win over Kiski Area on December 8.
This accomplishment was part of a six-game winning streak after an initial setback. The momentum continued as Mull’s squad edged out Franklin Regional 33-31, followed by a solid victory against Hempfield, bringing the total wins with Plum to 103. Marking his milestone, Mull was honored in a pre-game ceremony, reflecting the strong community support that underlines local sports.
Jordan Geist’s New Chapter at SRU
In another facet of regional sports, former Knoch athlete Jordan Geist is making waves as he settles into his new role as a full-time assistant throws coach for the Slippery Rock University track and field program. Known for his remarkable prowess in shot put—having clinched two NCAA Division I championships—Geist is focusing on training current athletes, including SRU senior Seaton Wozniak.
Wozniak made headlines by breaking the men’s school record in shot put with a spectacular toss of 17.96 meters at the indoor Youngstown State Ice Breaker on December 5. Geist’s presence on the coaching staff promises to elevate the program and inspire the next wave of talent.
Recruiting Highlights
Lastly, in recruitment news, Apollo-Ridge senior Josalin McCauley has signed with Geneva University to continue her volleyball career. This decision marks a new chapter for McCauley, who has been a steadfast presence on her high school team. Her commitment reflects the growing pool of talent in the area, with many young athletes finding opportunities to continue their sports careers at the collegiate level.
Michael Love is a TribLive reporter covering sports in the Alle-Kiski Valley and the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh. A Clearfield native and a graduate of Westminster (Pa.), he joined the Trib in 2002 after spending five years at the Clearfield Progress. He can be reached at mlove@triblive.com.