By John Hepokoski
UWRF Sports Information

The UW-River Falls women's basketball team has big hopes this season and much of it rides on the play of a small town girl, Jana Benitz.  

Benitz grew up in Plum City, Wis., and started playing basketball in fourth grade.

"My Dad would have to be the one who got me started out in the sport and it stuck with me," said Benitz.

Benitz played a huge role for Plum City in high school and knew she wanted to move on to the college ranks.  

Benitz was a very active athlete in high school. She played volleyball, participated in poms, danced, and ran track. Benitz also helped out the baseball team and was its statistician.

After her career in Plum City, Benitz chose to go to UW-Stout. With the Blue Devils, Benitz was red shirted during her first season.

When asked of the transition from high school to college Benitz replied, "It was different coming from a division four high school where I started and played most of every game and then coming to college where play is minimized."

After watching from the sidelines her first season, Benitz made the decision to transfer to River Falls.  

"The best part about being a Falcon is that I am able to play a lot," said Benitz.  "I also get to be a part of a fun team."

In this, her first season with the Falcons, Benitz has shot .418 from the field and averages 5.4 points per game. Benitz's game is improving every contest and she looks to be a big part in the future plans of the Falcons.  

"Jana is a worker," said Falcon Coach Cindy Hovet. "She hustles up and down the floor, gets after it, and is one of our best rebounding guards."  

Benitz chose to transfer to River Falls because of the well-known education program and the quality of the basketball program.  

"Coach Hovet has taught me a lot, mostly about managing the game," said Benitz of her coach. "She takes time out of practice to teach us things instead of just expecting us to know, which is nice."

In her spare time Benitz enjoys hanging out with friends, shopping, and running.  

Benitz is majoring in elementary education and plans on hopefully graduating in two years.  

After graduation, Benitz hopes to get a job where she can both teach and coach. She has some coaching under her belt already from being an assistant coach at Colfax last season.

"The coaching was a great experience for me and hopefully it will help me out once I graduate from UW-River Falls."

Jana Benitz