After following her older sister to playing basketball and to Buffalo, Stephanie Bennett discarded the habit of being a follower and became a leader. Bennett, a senior guard on the women's basketball team, is in her third season as a co-captain for the Bulls.
Bennett's teammates admire her work ethic both on the basketball court and in the classroom.
"She's definitely the hardest worker I know. She's an all-around great person as an athlete, in school, everything," said junior guard Rachelle Matthys. "She's focused and dedicated to what she does. You couldn't ask for a better one."
Bennett began playing organized basketball when she was in the second grade. Her interest in basketball came from her father and sister, Allison.
"My father coached my sister when we were younger," Bennett said. "I was always taken to the practices with her and started getting into it from there."
Bennett, who hails from Springfield, Ohio, played for four years at Kenton Ridge High School. Her many honors include being named "Miss Basketball" from Clark County and Honorable Mention All-State for her senior season. She was team captain for two years and led her team to an 87-9 record and four straight league titles.
With sister Allison already playing at Buffalo, Bennett decided to become a Bull as well, feeling lucky to have the chance to continue to play with her sister.
"You don't always get the opportunity to play with a family member like a sibling," Bennett said. "Maybe in high school you do, but not at the collegiate level. That's what I was really looking forward to."
Bennett, who came to Buffalo while the Bulls were coached by Cheryl Dozier, was primarily a shooting guard. However, when there was an opening at point guard during her freshman year, she switched over to get playing time right away.
Playing the majority of the Bulls' point guard minutes over her first three years, Bennett switched back to playing shooting guard this year. Current Head Coach Linda Hill-Macdonald made sophomore Ashley Zuber the point guard. Bennett does not have a preference for either position she plays.
"I like both positions. I just like to be on the floor," Bennett said. "Whatever Coach needs us to do as a team or needs me to do, I'll be willing to do it."
Teammates like Matthys, one of the team's captains, look up to Bennett in her leadership position.
"She's a great captain, a great leader as a teammate, looks out for everybody, not just on the floor, but off the floor as well," Matthys said.
Part of Bennett's leadership off the court has to do with her dedication to the community.
"She will not hesitate to help anybody. She's always out there doing community service and things of that nature," Matthys said. "She's just a great person."
With the busy schedule of a student-athlete and helping the public taking up most of her time, Bennett likes to take it easy when she gets a free moment.
"I definitely like to sleep when I have free time because we really don't get a lot of sleep," Bennett said. "I like to sleep, I like to hang out with the girls, and just kind of relax. Sometimes, I'll go to the mall."
Bennett's favorite part about playing basketball for Buffalo is the tight-knit group with whom she gets to play. Spending most of her time with them, Bennett and her teammates go out to dinner and enjoy other activities together.
Matthys, who is one year behind Bennett, is not looking forward to Bennett finishing her college-playing career because of the strong bond they have developed.
"We've developed a great friendship and we've had a great time since I got here freshman year," Matthys said. "It's going to stink without her next year. I'll tell you that. I'm going to miss her like crazy."
After this season at Buffalo, Bennett, a physical therapy major, looks to continue her education, but is also open to other options.
"I plan on going to grad school, probably physician assisting trying to get into some school. I don't know where yet," Bennett said. "If there is an opportunity, maybe I'll continue a career in basketball. If not, I'll just go along with whatever life brings me."
Bennett hopes to win a Mid-American Conference championship with the team in her final season. Nevertheless, she has enjoyed her stay at Buffalo regardless of how the season ends.
"I think it's a great campus and I think it's a great school," Bennett said. "I've had a lot of fun here."
