STEPHANIE BENNINGER

Kishwaukee College women’s basketball stand-out and former Earlville Red Raider Stephanie Benninger was selected the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Leaders for Life Student-Athlete of the Week for the week of February 17.

Leaders for Life is a program sponsored by the NJCAA that recognizes student-athletes who “represent their school and community with integrity, responsibility and respect.” The student-athletes selected are not only leaders on the field of play but in all aspects of their lives.

Benninger is the sophomore captain of the women’s basketball team at Kishwaukee. While a Kougar, Benninger has gathered several honors including Arrowhead All-Conference Second Team, two-time Region 4 Player of the Week, and was voted Region 4Top Returner of the Year. This season she is the second leading scorer on the team and ranks third in assists.



Benninger also excels in the classroom, with a 3.6 grade point average. She has been named to the Kishwaukee College Dean's List for three consecutive semesters, is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and is an Arrowhead Academic All-Conference Selection.

Off the court and outside of the college classroom, Benninger gives back to her community. In her hometown of Earlville, she is a volunteer coach for Earlville High School and helps run several basketball camps for young players from junior high through the collegiate level. In addition, she mentors a local high school student.

Benninger has received many NCAA Division I offers and wants pursue a degree in athletic training as well as continue her development on the basketball court.