4 Jenna Benkelman
Outside Hitter
5-9
Junior
Eden, NY/Eden HS

A much-improved performer who made great strides during the offseason ... worked hard inn the weight room ... is likely the number one or two passer on the team, a talent which will get her plenty of playing time as an outside hitter ... played for strong high school and club programs ... comes from the same Eden High School program that produced Renee' Kam, Edinboro’s career assist leader.

2005: Played in 86 games, finishing with 60 kills and 97 digs ... had 33 service aces ... had season-high 6 kills vs. Lees-McRae ... registered 8 digs, a season-high, on three occasions, and set career-high with 4 service aces against Cheyney.

2004: Appeared in 92 games, totaling 126 kills and 143 digs … had career-high 15 kills against California(Pa.), adding 10 digs … finished with 14 kills against Ashland and 11 vs. Gannon … had career-high 12 digs against Lees-McRae, with 11 more vs. Juniata.

High School: A four-year starter at Eden High School, helping the Raiders to a 93-3 record during that period, including a 90-match win streak ... the Raiders made four New York state championship appearances, winning the title three times ... a first team all-state selection as a senior after earning second team honors as a junior ... earned first team All-Western New York accolades as a junior and senior and was a second team choice as a sophomore ... was recognized as the Eden Female Athlete of the Year and the volleyball Player of the Year as a senior.

The Jenna Benkelman File

• Birthdate: July 23, 1986
• Parents: Linda and Thomas Benkelman
• Nickname: B, Jenna B., Banks, BMB
• Major: Graphic Design
• Hobbies: Drawing, shopping, swimming, listening to music, hanging with friends, volleyball
• Favorite Book: How to Kill a Mockingbird
• Favorite Music: Like everything, but punk is the favorite
• Favorite Musical Group: The Audition
• Favorite Movie: Super Troopers, Cruel Intentions
• Favorite Food: Pasta, pears, apples
• Career Ambition: Go into something with graphic design and get a job in a larger city and coach a club volleyball team.