Ben True - Women's Cross Country Coach - Dartmouth College Athletics

Ben True

Title:
Assistant Coach - Cross Country and Track and Field
Email:
ben.true@dartmouth.edu

Dartmouth's Haldeman Family Director of Athletics and Recreation Mike Harrity announced the appointment of former Dartmouth All-American Ben True '08 as interim men's and women's cross country/distance coach.

"We are excited that Ben True, one of Dartmouth's most accomplished student-athletes, will help guide our current students toward maximizing their growth and potential this fall," Harrity said. "As a Dartmouth alum, Ben knows what it takes for our student-athletes to pursue excellence both in the classroom and in competition. We are confident that his leadership will help inspire our student-athletes to achieve their full potential, and we look forward to supporting him and the positive impact he will make on our teams."

True will enter his second season with the Big Green in 2025-26.

A decorated student-athlete in his time at Dartmouth, True was an All-American in cross country, track and field and skiing (Nordic). He was a three-time Ivy League Heptagonal Champion in cross country while leading the Big Green to their last team title in 2005. True was also Dartmouth's top scorer on the 2007 NCAA Championship winning ski team. He was a two-time recipient of the Alfred E. Watson Trophy, which honors Dartmouth's Male Varsity Athlete of the Year. Ben is also a member of the Wearers of the Green, the exclusive group created in 1984 to honor Dartmouth students, alumni, and coaches for athletic excellence in their respective sports, including Olympians, All-Americans, national champions, major league professionals and other exceptional forms of recognition.

"I am thrilled to return to The Woods and begin working with the men and women of Dartmouth," said True. "I have always said that there is no better place to run than Hanover, New Hampshire. I am excited to reenergize the distance program and to reestablish Dartmouth's legacy of distance running success."

True has been living and training in the Upper Valley for over 15 years. He currently serves as head coach and director of Northwoods Athletics, a professional running team with a strong community focus. True was also a volunteer assistant coach with Dartmouth cross country and track and field in 2022-23.

As an athlete, True represented the United States at the World Cross Country Championships twice (2011 & 2013). He placed sixth in 2013, the highest finish by an American man in over 40 years. He also competed twice at the World Track & Field Championships (2015 & 2019). True is also the American record holder in the 5k road race. He ended 2015 ranked sixth in the world by Track & Field News in the men's 5,000m.