manage logistics, such as coordinating dates, recruiting fellow teammates, matching up competitors, lining up medical needs, and BENNETT’S TOP even making sure buildings were open for bathroom and u Varsity Tennis changing needs. “I learned u Debate Club that it pays to plan ahead,” says u National Honor Society Bennett. “I’ve really learned u Bucs Business Club a lot about time management.” u Calvin Davis Foundation Bennett credits his beloved coach, Calvin Davis, with inspiring his passion to help others through tennis. “Coach Davis pays so much attention to each and every one of his players, regardless of skill level. He’s always there to play tennis with you: Christmas Eve, New Year’s Day, you name it. He wants to spend time with you and see you get better.” Thanks to Project UNIFY, Bennett believes that his confidence has grown, he’s learned to be more productive, and he’s now even more open to new experiences. “I definitely hope to play tennis in college. It’s so much fun to be around other energetic, active people and create by tennis alums Cabir ’16 and Jeevun ’18 fun in a competitive environment!” Kansupada when they were students. Jeevun approached Bennett about sharing his passion for tennis and his expertise. Bennett said yes and his involvement grew from there. He says, “When my teammate asked me to lend a hand, I realized that I can help people while also enjoying myself. Personally, I feel as though there is not always a lot of help for Special Olympics, and I now realize that it’s a big deal for these individuals to come to our nice facilities and have people cheering for them—that kind of positive experience can stick with them for years.” Bennett, who has been playing tennis since he was eight, had plenty to offer the Special Olympics athletes when they would practice together on Saturday mornings. “A lot of people don’t know that some of the best Special Olympics tennis players in the world are right here in Charlotte,” notes Bennett. “They are highly skilled, so we can do a lot of handson drills with them.” Being in charge of this year’s Project UNIFY tennis tournament also gave Bennett the opportunity to learn how to
5
Bennett Turner ’20:
READY TO SERVE As a member of Country Day’s state championship tennis team, Bennett Turner is a skilled athlete. He is also a leader who gives back to his community through Project UNIFY, an arm of the Special Olympics that brings together youth with and without intellectual disabilities through school-based activities. Through the game of tennis, Country Day and Special Olympics athletes create lasting experiences that culminate in a round-robin tennis tournament held Homecoming Weekend. After several weeks of practice together, Country Day tennis players are matched with a buddy and play doubles against other pairs in a tournament-like setting. Now in its fourth year on campus, the Buccaneers’ Project UNIFY was started 34
PERSPECTIVES
“
When my teammate asked me to lend a hand, I realized that I can help people while also enjoying myself.”
