Creating Space for the Kingdom: Jordan Benford ’26
Words: Hailey Pitcher ’25
Photos: Kayla Smith
Jordan Benford ’26 sets a volleyball in King Arena.
Jordan Benford ’26, an outside hitter for Wheaton’s volleyball team, lives her life both on and off the court with a desire to love others the way she’s experienced God’s love. She is devoted to creating welcoming spaces wherever she finds herself on campus. “I play volleyball to expand the kingdom—for people to see that there is something greater,” she said.
When Benford first started playing volleyball at Wheaton, the sport consumed who she was. During a difficult transition to college, Benford was grateful for teammates who stepped up to support and welcome her like family. Gradually, Benford began participating in other activities across campus, such as the Storytelling Project arts group and 1-2-1, a mentoring program for multicultural students. The more Benford developed her identity outside of volleyball, the more confident she felt in her role on the court. “I realized I wanted to be the best teammate possible and enjoy the sport the Lord placed on my heart rather than caring about the stats,” she said.
Yet this framework shift helped Benford excel on the court. She became a versatile player, playing multiple positions aside from outside hitter, and served as a captain for the 2024–25 season. She thrived in these leadership roles, continuing to live by her goal to help others feel “seen, heard, and understood.”
Amid the current campaign, Wheaton will break ground this spring on major additions to its athletics facilities. Benford has high hopes this will help athletes feel at home, especially those who travel across the country and give up other opportunities to play at Wheaton. In her final season, she is committed to continuing a legacy of welcome and hospitality to new athletes.
Throwback: Harve Chrouser ’34
Harve Chrouser made a large impact on Wheaton College as an athlete, coach, and athletic director. He had a four-year collegiate career in football and wrestling. After graduation, Chrouser returned to Wheaton in 1940 as the head football coach. In his 17 years of coaching, Wheaton Football racked up a 104-34-8 record, with nine CCI titles. He developed 60 All-Conference players and 15 Little All-Americans. In 1950, Chrouser succeeded Ed Coray ’23 as the athletic director at Wheaton—a role he held for 25 years—and led the drive to build Centennial Gym.
