Katie Benzan and her older brother Pat grew up immersed in basketball. Their combined love for the sport often delved into debates that only the most diehard fans would ponder.
Together, they debated many scenarios and tried to understand the thought process behind NBA teams and their superstars’ decision-making. One specific discussion Katie recalls with her brother revolved around why Lebron James chose to sign with the Miami Heat in free agency back in 2010.
The Benzans both went on to play collegiate basketball. Pat followed in the footsteps of their parents, attending Holy Cross, where he was a consistent contributor to the Crusaders from 2015-19. Meanwhile, Katie became a 3-point specialist at Harvard from 2016-19 and at Maryland from 2020-22.
However, it was Katie who continued to search for answers to the questions and scenarios she and her brother had sparked up as kids following her playing career.
Benzan is the general manager of the Salt Lake City Stars — the Utah Jazz’s G-League affiliate — at just 27 years old. Although her post-playing career aligns with her love for intellectual challenges, she never saw sports management as a viable career path.
“Growing up, I never truly envisioned myself following this career path,” Benzan said. “Even as a little girl, I didn't necessarily know that this was a possibility. … I just wanted to challenge myself and try it out.”