Jana Benitz

By Shawna Carpentier
UWRF Sports Information

Love and basketball aren't just words to Falcon junior guard Jana Benitz. "Basketball is my whole life," says Benitz.

From the time she was in fourth grade, Benitz has been playing ball and she hasn't quit since. With her father as her coach from her fifth grade year until her high school years playing for the Blue Devils of Plum City, Benitz described her experience as a coach's daughter as something that brought her and her father together. "He wanted me to be involved in something and wanted to be the parent that coached," says Benitz of her father.

As a four-year letter winner and three year starter on the Plum City High School basketball team, Benitz was named to the all-conference team three years and was the team's captain for two seasons. In her sophomore season, Benitz's team won the conference title. During her last season as a Blue Devil, Benitz was selected to play in the Northwest All-Star game.

With 12 years of competition inspiring her mind, body and soul, Benitz deems basketball as a special sport for girls. "Little girls don't do it for the glory, but for the pride," she expresses.   

Basketball being a family affair, Benitz has what she would call the best fans ever. Her family has never missed a game in her 12 years of playing and even goes as far as to change the milking schedules at their dairy farm to ensure they will be court side at her games. Benitz describes her family as an "unique closeness."  

"[Basketball] has changed me as a person," says Benitz who believes people "don't have to bow and be submissive to adversity." The challenge of basketball is the mental aspect according to Benitz. "[The] hardest thing to overcome as a college athlete is to stay mentally tough," she says.

Benitz's journey as a collegiate athlete has not been an easy one. After being cut from the basketball team at UW-Stout, Benitz transferred to River Falls. A knee injury last March left Benitz with a torn ACL and the endless struggle to get back on the court to compete alongside her teammates for her second season with the Falcons.

"Jana is a tough kid that's been working really hard to get back from her knee injury last season," says Falcon Coach, Cindy Hovet. "It's a process that has its ups and downs but Jana keeps working and stays as positive as can be expected," explains Hovet.

With the second half of the 2006-2007 season quickly approaching, Benitz waits to see if she will get to lace up her shoes with the intention of playing. Benitz has recently learned that she may be out for the rest of the season due to complications from her knee injury.

Despite her struggle, Benitz has her faith to carry her. "My faith in Jesus Christ has helped me to get through the tough times," she says.  

Benitz realizes she may be stuck on the bench this season, but she hasn't let her injury stop her from promoting Falcon basketball. As a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), Benitz is active in recruiting fans. Sending out letters with the season schedule and telling her classmates about upcoming games are tactics Benitz practices.

An innate competitor sets goals and Benitz has goals for herself this season. Besides winning the coveted WIAC title, Benitz says she will "show up everyday and give my best. Being the best teammate and helping out where ever I can" is necessary according to Benitz. She advises it is not about perfection, but about the motive within an athlete. "You can be the best player, but have the worst attitude; who will play you," suggests Benitz who says accomplishment starts with a good work ethic.

"Jana works hard at everything she does, whether it's basketball or school or whatever she's involved in," says Hovet.

Benitz's "go-getter" philosophy is an attitude she brings into the classroom. Pursuing a degree in elementary education and a minor in coaching is the foundation for Benitz's plans for her future. Benitz, who is an advocate for physical activity, hopes to promote sports and games to children to get them involved in healthy activities. Coaching a high school girl's basketball team and teaching in the Wisconsin area are Benitz's plans for her near future.

Hovet says that Benitz's pursuits are obtainable. "She has very high expectations of herself and is going to have a great career as a teacher."

Benitz's aspirations and interests do expand beyond the local borders of her community and the basketball court. "I would love to travel and help underprivileged children in orphanages," conveys Benitz who says that is what she would do if she had the money.

As a former trumpet player, dancer, cheerleader and multi-sport athlete, Benitz continues to use her talent to make her and other people better.  

"She's feisty and competitive and will always give us her best effort," shares Hovet of Benitz's character.  

Now matter what role she plays in the future, Benitz main focus of the present remains her passion for basketball. "[My] faith has helped me to keep a positive attitude and the desire to get back on the court," Benitz says. Only time will tell if desire or injury will prevail.