| School: Benson | Graduation Year: Coach |
Sports Played: Coach, Basketball, Volleyball
Year Inducted: 2024
High School Honors:
Post High School Career: Taught PE, Health and Student Services for 30 years with the Portland Public Schools, retired in 2009. Head Girls’ Basketball Coach at Benson for 24 years with 316-229 record and five
PIL titles. Head Volleyball Coach at Benson for 17 years. 2000 team undefeated in league play, named PIL Coach of the Year. Established Volleyball, Basketball and Track programs at Glenhaven and Humboldt Elementary Schools in Portland. Established the Portland Starlings Volleyball Club primarily for inner-city youth and served as Director and Coach for 12 years. Coached Volleyball at De La Salle and Fort Vancouver High Schools. Daughter Denetia Carline, Benson 2002, was inducted into the PIL Hall of Fame in 2019. Dennis earned two degrees at Pacific University – a BS degree in 1979 and an MST degree in 1988.
Commentary:
The journey of Dennis Carline is a testament to the transformative power of sports and mentorship. His induction into the PIL Hall of Fame is a celebration of the values that embody hard work, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. Raised by Alvin and Barbara Carline in South Central LA, Dennis and his brothers Dale, David, and Daryl were instilled with the belief that they were deserving of their dreams, a lesson they carried into their diverse and successful careers. Dennis’s path led him to become a coach committed to shaping the lives of young athletes across multiple sports.
Starting in 1979 at Glenhaven School, Dennis’s coaching career spanned 45 years, of which 23 years spent at Benson Tech and 2 years at Roosevelt. He not only coached basketball, track, and volleyball but also had the unique privilege of coaching his four children Denetia, Daedra, Delissa, and Dennis Jr. His dedication to coaching was supported by some amazing assistant coaches Sonora Thidgill, Jane Robertson, and former players Denetia Carline, Rachel Benton who stood by him serving as outstanding female role models. Figures like Coach Willie West Crenshaw, Cathy Jo Peterson Benson, and Jim Weber Pacific University left indelible marks on his coaching philosophy, emphasizing his commitment to underserved communities, and being an advocate for women’s athletics.
A coach’s legacy is the success of their athletes like the Green Sisters; Allegra, Kim, Sara, Mfon Udoka, Monica Watts, Sherelle Williams, and many others who found joy and success in sports. Dennis’s influence extends beyond the court or field; it lies in the life lessons imparted to his athletes, the relationships built, and the community uplifted through sports.
To the Benson Hall of Fame and PIL Hall of Fame, I am humbled by this honor. I especially thank Leon McKenzie and Bill Ranta for all their support. I thank my circle of mentor coaches God brought into my life Michelle Kissinger, Mike Bontemps, Don Dixon, Conway McAllister, John Maze, Don Emry, and the late Dick Gray
Every coach has an unsung hero in their life who provides support, wisdom, and encouragement. Debra Carline my wife the love of my life, my number one, the blessing in my coaching journey. Your support not only for me but for our children and the players I coached was a gift from God. Debra, your influence was profound, providing the stability and perspective I needed to face the challenges of a demanding career. I love you so much. Thank you for being so amazing. Finally, to everyone here tonight, Lord Bless!