Where are They Now: Benditz Balling at La Tech

Click to view image

Benditz to Germany: The Houston Connection
By Austin Staton

Making the transition from high school athletics to the collegiate game isn’t an easy task, especially when it involves a move to a different state.

For Louisiana Tech freshman outside-hitter and former Klein Oak star Bridget Benditz, the transition has been relatively smooth with the help of another local student-athlete as a roommate – former Huntsville middle-blocker and current sophomore Caitlin Germany.

With just five returning letterwinners at LA Tech – of which just four saw action last season – both Benditz and Germany were paired together as roommates prior to the beginning of fall camp this past August.

“We played each other in high school and we played against each other on the club circuit,” said Germany. “Because we only have one senior on the team we’ve all had to step up and take on a leadership role knowing that we have eight freshman and two transfers on the roster.”

Needing to fill the void of seven departed scholarship athletes, the 10 newcomers were expected to make an immediate impact on campus. Amongst rookie outside hitters, Benditz currently leads the Lady Techsters with 41 kills and 68 digs but credits her early success on the returning veterans.

“I’ve learned a lot from the veteran outside hitters on the team,” Benditz, who was a VYPE cover girl in 2010 explained. “Their experience has taught me a lot as a freshman as the speed of the college game is much faster. The Houston area had a great club volleyball circuit which prepared me for my freshman year.”

Although Louisiana Tech is aligned in a geographically inconvenient conference spanning from Louisiana to Hawaii, both Benditz and Germany have had the luxury to play close to home on two occasions this season – at the Sam Houston State and Houston Baptist tournaments.

“Playing in tournaments close to home has been great because you are playing college volleyball in front of your family and friends,” said Benditz. “When you play in front of people that you know, you always want to do better. Having that comfort has made the transition a bit easier.”

The ability to play early on as a freshman will do nothing but pay dividends for Benditz in the long run as she can simply look to Germany’s growth as a student-athlete between her freshman and sophomore season as empirical proof.

“As a freshman you don’t really know what to expect until you are thrown into a game,” said Germany. After a year, nothing bothers you and it allows you to be more confident in your abilities.”