Amanda Knapp
Katie Benzan is a former Harvard basketball star who left the team before her senior year. During her time at Harvard, Benzan was a leader on the floor and helped the team achieve several wins. She was named to the All-Ivy League First Team all three years that she played and was a consistent leader in minutes, points, and assists. After leaving Harvard, Benzan played for the University of Maryland and then professionally in the WNBA for the Washington Mystics. She is now the general manager for the Salt Lake City Stars of the NBA G League, making history as the youngest female GM in the G League.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Katie Benzan |
| Birthdate | May 16, 1998 |
| Alma Mater | Harvard University, University of Maryland |
| Current Position | General Manager for the Salt Lake City Stars of the NBA G League |
| Previous Position | Played in the WNBA for the Washington Mystics in 2022 |
| Achievements at Harvard | Named to the All-Ivy League First Team all three years, set Harvard's all-time record for career three pointers made, led Harvard in points and assists during her three seasons on the team |
| Reason for Leaving Harvard | Decided to forgo her senior year and preserve a season of NCAA eligibility |
![Yo Benzen! [Explicit]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/A1W+KlfguoL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
Katie Benzan left Harvard's basketball team before her senior year
Katie Benzan left the Harvard basketball team before her senior year, stepping away from the sport entirely. Benzan was a star player, a point guard, and the team's leading scorer. She was a consistent leader on the floor, leading the team in minutes, points, and assists during her three seasons with the Crimson. She played in all 89 possible games, starting 87 of them.
During her time at Harvard, Benzan made a significant impact. In her freshman season, she set the single-season mark for three-pointers made with 85, subsequently breaking her own record twice and finishing with 103 triples in 2018-19. She was also named to the All-Ivy League First Team all three years she played for Harvard. In her junior season, she scored a career-high 27 points against Quinnipiac.
Benzan's departure left a noticeable gap in the team's lineup, as she was their traditional point guard. Harvard finished the season in fifth place in the Ivy League, their worst performance in the 21st century.
After leaving Harvard, Benzan went on to play for the University of Maryland as a graduate transfer. She then played in the WNBA for the Washington Mystics in 2022 and is currently the general manager for the Salt Lake City Stars of the NBA G League, becoming the youngest female GM in the G League.
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Benzan was Harvard's leading scorer and point guard
Katie Benzan, a former Harvard basketball star, was the team's leading scorer and point guard during her three seasons on the team. Benzan, a native of Wellesley, Massachusetts, stood out for her exceptional shooting skills and competitive spirit. She was named to the All-Ivy League First Team in each of her first three years at Harvard, showcasing her talent and impact on the court.
Benzan's journey to Harvard began at a young age. She started playing AAU basketball when she was just 10 years old and quickly developed a passion for the sport. By the time she was 13, she was already making waves as an eighth-grader on the varsity team at Noble and Greenough. In one memorable game, she silenced doubters with six 3-pointers in the second half, showcasing her talent and competitive nature.
At Harvard, Benzan continued to excel and make her mark. She was a consistent leader on the court, leading the Crimson in minutes, points, and assists during her freshman season. Her impressive long-range shooting ability helped her set new records. In her freshman year, she set the single-season mark for three-pointers made with 85 and then broke her own record twice, culminating in 103 triples in the 2018-19 season.
Benzan's impact extended beyond her individual achievements. The Harvard women's basketball team posted improved records during her time on the team, going from 14-14 in the two years before her arrival to 21-9, 18-11, and 17-13 in her first three seasons. She was also a leader off the court, as her teammates and coaches admired her work ethic and determination.
However, despite her success at Harvard, Benzan decided to forgo her senior year and sit out the final season. She later announced that she would use her graduate season at the University of Texas. Unfortunately, she later changed her decision and chose to finish her collegiate basketball career at the University of Maryland as a graduate transfer.
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She was named to the All-Ivy League First Team three times
Katie Benzan, a former Harvard basketball player, was named to the All-Ivy League First Team three times during her time at the university. Benzan, who played as a point guard, was a standout performer for the Crimson, leading the team in points and assists during her three seasons. She was a consistent leader on the floor from her freshman season, playing in all 89 possible games and starting in 87 of them.
During her freshman season, Benzan set the single-season mark for three-pointers made with 85, a record she would break twice more during her time at Harvard. In her junior season, she broke the Ivy League record for career three-pointers made, finishing with 287. Benzan's impressive shooting continued throughout her time at Harvard, with her career-high in points coming against Quinnipiac, where she scored 27 points.
Benzan's performance earned her recognition not just within the Ivy League but also nationally. She was named ESPN's basketball player of the week in December 2018, following a string of impressive performances, including a 27-point game against Quinnipiac. Benzan's impact on the Harvard women's basketball team extended beyond her individual accomplishments. Before her arrival, the team had posted back-to-back 14-14 seasons. However, with Benzan leading the way, the team's record improved significantly, finishing with records of 21-9, 18-11, and 17-13 during her three seasons.
Despite her success at Harvard, Benzan decided to forgo her senior year and sit out the final season. She initially planned to use her graduate season at the University of Texas but later changed her decision and finished her collegiate basketball career at the University of Maryland as a graduate transfer. During her time at Harvard, Benzan established herself as one of the best players in the Ivy League, consistently performing at a high level and breaking numerous shooting records. Her inclusion in the All-Ivy League First Team during her freshman, sophomore, and junior years is a testament to her exceptional talent and impact on the court.
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Benzan decided to use her graduate season at the University of Texas
Katie Benzan, a former Harvard basketball star, initially decided to use her graduate season at the University of Texas. However, she later changed her decision and chose to play for the University of Maryland as a graduate transfer for the 2020-2021 academic year. Benzan's decision to step away from her senior year at Harvard came as a surprise to many, as she had been a remarkable player for the Crimson for three years. During her time at Harvard, Benzan consistently led the team in minutes, points, and assists, breaking several records and becoming one of the best in the Ivy League.
Benzan's decision to use her graduate season at the University of Texas was likely influenced by her desire to continue her basketball career at a high level. Texas is known for having a strong basketball program, and Benzan likely saw it as an opportunity to further develop her skills and compete at a high level during her graduate studies. Additionally, by using her graduate season, Benzan could take advantage of the additional year of eligibility, allowing her to refine her skills and potentially improve her prospects for a professional basketball career.
Another factor that may have influenced Benzan's initial decision to choose Texas was the opportunity to work with a new set of coaches and teammates. Sometimes, players seek new challenges and environments to continue their growth and development. By joining a different program, Benzan could gain exposure to different coaching styles, strategies, and teammates, which could enhance her overall basketball experience and contribute to her development as a player.
However, Benzan ultimately chose Maryland over Texas due to a change in Texas' head coaching staff. In her message to The Harvard Crimson, Benzan mentioned that she had been ""extremely torn" between the two programs and that the change in coaching staff at Texas influenced her final decision.
Benzan's graduate season at Maryland proved to be a successful choice. She guided Maryland to two Sweet 16s, setting a program record with a career 3-point percentage of 47.4%WNBA's Washington Mystics, where she played in the Women's National Basketball Association in 2022.
In conclusion, Benzan's initial decision to use her graduate season at the University of Texas demonstrated her commitment to her basketball career and her desire to continue challenging herself academically and athletically. While her plans changed due to unforeseen circumstances, her time at Maryland allowed her to further develop her skills, achieve remarkable records, and ultimately pursue opportunities in the WNBA.
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She is now the youngest female GM in the G League
Katie Benzan, a former Harvard basketball star, is now the youngest female general manager in the G League. Benzan played college basketball at Harvard, Maryland, and the University of Texas. During her time at Harvard, she was a standout player, leading the team in points and assists and earning first-team All-Ivy League honours. She was also a key member of the Maryland Terrapins, guiding them to two Sweet 16s and setting a program record for 3-point shooting percentage.
After her collegiate career, Benzan joined the WNBA's Washington Mystics, appearing in three games and scoring 12 points against the Las Vegas Aces. Now, as the general manager for the Salt Lake City Stars of the NBA G League, she is responsible for managing players, coaches, and support staff, as well as scouting and player development.
Benzan's journey to becoming a GM began with her decision to step away from Harvard basketball during her senior year. She then transferred to the University of Texas and later to Maryland, where she finished her collegiate career. After playing professionally for the Mystics, she transitioned to a front-office role with the Jazz and the Stars.
As a female GM in a male-dominated industry, Benzan is often one of the few women in the room. However, she focuses on her body language and confidence, reminding herself that she belongs due to her hard work and dedication. With her competitive spirit and passion for discovering hidden talent, Benzan is making history as the youngest female GM in the G League.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Katie Benzan played college basketball at Harvard.
Yes, Benzan was a star player at Harvard. She was named to the All-Ivy League First Team all three years that she played for the Crimson and was voted onto the First Team unanimously during her second year. She was also Harvard's point guard and leader in points and assists.
No, Benzan decided to forgo her senior year at Harvard and sat out the season. She later decided to use her graduate season at the University of Texas but ultimately finished her collegiate basketball career at the University of Maryland as a graduate transfer.
After college, Benzan played in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) for the Washington Mystics in 2022. She appeared in three games in the league. Benzan then went on to become the general manager for the Salt Lake City Stars of the NBA G League, making history as the youngest female GM in the G League.
