Bennett sets high standard

Freshman guard Stephanie Bennett was in high spirits after the UB Bulls broke their losing streak last Tuesday night with a 55-49 win against Akron. Bennett was listed as one of the starters for the game, as she has been all season -- just two names under her sister, senior Allison Bennett, on the roster.

The younger Bennett said she truly enjoys being a part of the team, and playing on the same team with her sister only adds to the experience.

"We have an awesome chemistry both on and off the court, we just get along really well," said the younger Bennett.

Bennett loves being on the court with her sister and turned down several other schools including Oregon State, Maine, Hofstra, and Eastern Kentucky in favor of Buffalo. She believes the best part about playing with her sister is that they can read each other.

"If I throw a pass to her, she'll trust me and go get it. We feel and understand each other really well," said Bennett.

A highlight for the Bennett sisters this season was both Bennetts having their career highs in the same game, contributing to the defeat of the Miami RedHawks.

During her senior year at Kenton Ridge, Ohio, Stephanie Bennett averaged 20.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 4.4 steals per game and played a 40-point career high game. A tournament in Cleveland was one of her favorite memories.

"I was MVP and that was pretty cool," said Bennett.

Bennett describes herself as very determined, outgoing, and somewhat of a perfectionist. Her biggest athletic influence is her dad, along with the rest of her family, she said.

"They always support us wherever we go, every game they can get to they are there. Even throughout grade school and high school they were always there for us," Bennett said.

Bennett began playing basketball during second grade, which isn't out of the ordinary in an extremely sports-oriented family. She said she considers herself "the tag-along at the beginning of it all."

Bennett plans on getting her doctorate degree in physical therapy and hopes to work up to be able to play basketball after college, possibly overseas.

"But if it's not meant to happen then that's OK. Whatever happens, happens," she said.

In the future, Bennett sees herself back at home in Springfield, Ohio. She hopes to have a family and kids and be a physical therapist. She also thinks about coaching basketball at her high school, Kenton Ridge, in her spare time.

Before all that however, she has the strong desire to succeed and strives to play her best from the start of her UB career.

This is something she has already begun a tradition of. In her first collegiate game, against the two-time defending national champions, Bennett faced a pressure the kind that she is not likely to face again for a while, and she was able to put in 10 points, and go a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line.

Her 10 points were one-fourth of her team's total points, and for her first basket, Stephanie Bennett hit a 3-pointer.

Bennett has started 16 games this year, and has played in each of the team's 19 games. She is shooting 30 percent from the field and is shooting 67 percent from the charity stripe so far this season.

Bennett prepares for each game by getting stretched out really well. Additionally, she prepares mentally by relaxing and listening to music.

Considering how she acts on the court, it is no surprise that Bennett says she is determined to get things done right in her life, and most importantly to be the best at whatever she does.

Bennett will be in action again at home against Western Michigan Monday. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. in Alumni Arena.

1. What is your biggest fear?

Probably losing members of my family.

2. What do you do in your free time?

Oh, free time? I'm usually in the gym or spending time with family when they're here or I'm at home.

3. Who is your favorite actor?

Denzel Washington.

4. What is your worst injury?

I have this chronic thing going on with my foot, they say it's a pre-dislocated toe, but other than that, that's it.

5. What is your dream vacation?

Anywhere on the Hawaiian beaches.