On the Right Path: Meet CJ Bennett
After graduating with a Sport Management Diploma from Humber College, Brampton鈥檚 CJ Bennett was searching for a program that would allow him to fast track his undergraduate degree while playing out his final years of basketball eligibility. With the support of his coaches, he discovered Cape Breton University and quickly decided it was the perfect fit.聽
鈥淚 joined the as a fourth-year transfer and was able to make the best of my time here because of the ongoing love and support from CBU fans,鈥� says CJ. 鈥淭heir energy is so contagious and I鈥檓 thankful to all of them.鈥澛�
After completing his Bachelor of Arts Community Studies with a focus in Sport and Physical Activity Leadership, CJ is currently finishing up his final year with the Capers and plans to pursue a Bachelor of Education at CBU this spring. He says the small class sizes and athletics program at CBU have allowed him to receive personalized attention from both professors and coaches, enabling him to excel in both the classroom and on the court. CJ was named an Academic All-Canadian for the 2021/22 season, meaning he achieved an average higher than 80 per cent during his studies.聽
鈥淭he tight-knit 福利免费在线看 and support from everyone on campus has made balancing life as a student-athlete much easier,鈥� says CJ. 鈥淧laying for the Capers has been a grind but in my few years on the team my teammates have gone from strangers to family.鈥澛�
CJ says he has his parents to thank for his success, saying they have always encouraged him to continue pursuing both sports and academics. His close friends and mentors support CJ day after day, keeping him on the right path. 鈥淏esides COVID cancelling sports for over a year, the hardest part of my journey has been not being able to see my family and friends back home,鈥� he says.聽
Looking back on his time at CBU, CJ says the experience of living with his teammates has been one of the highlights. 鈥淚 always thought I would have done that at a younger age,鈥� he admits. 鈥淏ut being able to do it now has been a great experience.鈥� As the Capers prepare for AUS Championships this week, it is the close team bonds that will allow them to stay focused and motivated.聽
To anyone on the fence about taking a risk to advance their academic journey or career, CJ鈥檚 advice is to bet on yourself. 鈥淚 did and I will have earned two degrees in four years while having an amazing basketball career,鈥� he says. 鈥淒on鈥檛 be afraid of what will happen; be afraid of what won鈥檛.鈥澛�
Join us in cheering on the Capers this March 17-20 as they compete in the AUS Championships. Tune in live at
The women’s team will take on Memorial at 1:00pm on Friday, March 18, followed by then men’s team against UPEI at 8:30pm that evening.