Empower Walnut Grove Girls Basketball at Memorial Tournament

Hi everyone! My name is Kenzie Bennett and I’m the head varsity girls’ basketball coach at Walnut Grove High School in Loganville, Georgia. This coming season, our team has the opportunity to compete in the Michelle Bennett Memorial Tournament in Queensbury, New York. It carries a special meaning, as the tournament honors my mom, Michelle, who died suddenly when I was 23.

My mom inspires me every day in my career. She was an incredible teacher, coach, and a fervent leader. She poured into her players, building their confidence and offering the tools to chase their dreams. My siblings and I were fortunate enough to experience her relentless love and energy both in the gym and at home, where she dedicated her life to ours. With her work ethic and competitiveness as an example, we all fell in love with sports.

I owe my passion for coaching and love of basketball to my mom. Looking ahead at this season, I’m overwhelmingly grateful that my players will experience a gym that honors her unparalleled energy, enthusiasm, and legacy. I’m excited that the game of basketball will take them to a new place, the way that it did for me through AAU and college basketball. More than anything, I hope that they’ll understand how important it is to show up with energy, to treat people with kindness, and to embrace situations that push you out of your comfort zone. It’s what you are remembered for.

All contributions will go toward the travel expenses for our team. This trip is a huge step outside their comfort zone, and they have worked hard to fundraise to offset the cost of this experience. All donations will go towards funding their trip, and any excess contributions will be donated to my mom's scholarship fund. Thank you so much for the love and support.

Sincerely,

Kenzie Bennett & The Walnut Grove Girls Basketball Booster Club