Camden-Wyoming (of Delaware) will play for a regional championship in softball, just one win away from the Little League World Series. However, the behavior of head coach Shani Benson has come under fire from the fans watching at home during her team’s most outing.
I believe this whole thing to be a big misunderstand and I don’t necessarily agree with the outrage, but I am also in agreement that a coach should never put a finger on a player in a non-encouraging manner!
It might not be fair to refer to this latest softball controversy as a controversy. Perhaps the phrase “difference of opinion” is better suited for how this all played out. Either way, Benson’s actions went viral on social media with more than one million views across multiple platforms.
What happened at the Little League World Series of softball?
The incident took place at the end of the second inning.
Benson was frustrated with the performance of her team during a scoreless start. She walked into the dugout and had some words with one of her players as they came off of the field.
That player talked back.
Benson was on edge as soon as her player opened her mouth. The Little League head coach proceeded to put a finger in her face and mushed it against her mouth — as if to say “shush.”
— – (@Spicoli_____) July 25, 2025
ESPN cutting to the player in the dugout as soon as her coach walked away did not help the optics.
Mixed opinions were overshadowed by outrage.
Most people on social media were furious with Benson’s actions.
“I would be livid if I saw a coach do that to my child. SHAME ON YOU,” wrote @greeneyes281.
“That’s a line that should never be crossed,” added @jadedsavedbygrace.
“NOPE!!! NEVER OKAY to put your hands on anyone, unless in self defense,” said @queenobservationmama.
Those are just a few examples of the backlash. The comments were endless.
To be fair, there were quite a few observers who did not see any issue with the behavior and questioned how society got this soft. Those people were largely outnumbered but their thoughts deserve equal acknowledgement! It was not cut and dry and both sides of the aisle might not even know the full story.
Did the coach get on her own daughter?
Here’s the thing.
If I have this correct, the player at which Benson yelled is actually her daughter. Head coach Shani Benson put her finger to the lips of Shai Benson. They ultimately went on to win.
Camden-Wyoming, a Delaware-based softball program, will play for the regional championship. I do not expect any additional punishment for Benson, nor do I think it is necessary. It would be different if it was not her own kid. Should they win again, they will advance to the Little League World Series.
Perhaps the outrage would not be as widespread if the video was presented as mother/daughter.