(This story was originally published on umterps.com)
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."
Benzan wrapped up a brief stint with the WNBA's Washington Mystics in 2022, before beginning her current three-year journey within the Jazz's organization. She previously held positions as coordinator of pro scouting and basketball operations generalist for the Jazz, as well as assistant general manager for the Stars.
The former Maryland guard was promoted to general manager of the Stars in June, following Marquis Newman, who had served as the Salt Lake City Stars' general manager since the 2022-23 season, being elevated to director of pro scouting in the Jazz's front office.
The 27-year-old is the youngest active general manager in the league and the youngest female general manager in NBA G League history. Benzan is also one of just two current female general managers in the G League.
"From the first time we talked to Katie, we could see how brilliant she was," Maryland head women's basketball coach Brenda Frese said. "She works tirelessly, she does her homework, she knows her stuff and is a fantastic teammate. It's no surprise to us that she's found success at the executive level."
Playing under Frese at Maryland, Benzan was a significant part of the Terps' 2021 and 2022 NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 teams. In 2021, they also earned Big Ten Tournament and regular-season titles. Benzan was named an AP All-America Honorable Mention and All-Big Ten Second Team selection in both years.
Benzan also served as a team captain in her final season in College Park, winning a Big Ten Sportsmanship Award. Among her many statistics that denote her precision as a shooter, she holds the program record for career three-point percentage (47.4%).
The general manager believes that her experience on the court, combined with her master's degree in journalism earned in the classroom at Maryland, has prepared her for her current role. Though it's been a slight transition to management, Benzan draws parallels within her day-to-day work.
"I use my master's in journalism every single day, whether that's interviewing a player, talking to college coaches when trying to get intel, being on the other side of the questions and knowing what to expect or articulating my thoughts and conclusions in writing," she explained.
Benzan continued, emphasizing her experience playing basketball at the highest level at Maryland as another guiding factor in her ability to lead a franchise.
"The opportunity to cut those nets down, play at the highest level, play with such great, passionate, competitive girls helped me connect with players. … Being a captain and having to have hard conversations also prepared me for similar hard conversations I have today, whether it's talking to a player and managing his playing time expectations or talking to a staff member and making sure they're bought into what we're doing each and every day."
A career as a sideline reporter or analyst, given her journalism degree, or coaching basketball seemed as though the likely route for Benzan following her playing career. She trained aspiring athletes in the sport from 2016-18 through her own business, Benzan Basketball Services, and was also coached by her mother growing up.
Benzan even had offers to coach collegiately after wrapping up her run with the Mystics. However, she wanted to push herself out of her comfort zone. When her first opportunity with the Jazz came to fruition, she moved across the country to a city where she didn't know anyone, let alone individuals within NBA organizations in a male-dominated industry.
"Ever since I was young, I wanted to get better at whatever I was doing each day," Benzan said. "I feel in this organization, surrounded by incredible people and incredible mentors, I'm able to continue to grow and learn, and that's particularly why I'm so excited about this new role."
Benzan instead embodied the University of Maryland brand by leading fearlessly forward. Now she's leading a team and empowering women seeking sports management careers in the process.
"I'm very fortunate for both my education and my basketball experience from Maryland," Benzan said. "I'm just excited about what's ahead for both the Jazz and the Stars. This is going to be an exciting time."
