I don't think there's ever been a point in my life when you could find me not being part of a sport. Whether I was playing basketball with my friends on a nice spring day, watching the Phillies play from the third-base line, coaching my younger brother, or refereeing basketball, I've always found a way to be involved. Sports have been such a big part of my life that when I started thinking about my future, I knew I wanted to do something that would let me stay connected to the activities that raised me. That eventually led me towards Athletic Training. Growing up, I played just about every sport I could: baseball, football, basketball, volleyball, and track and field. I loved the competition, the friendships you made, and everything that came with being part of a team. Even now, I am a member of the track and field team here at King’s; sports continue to be a big part of my life. But my interest in athletics has never been confined to playing on the court. I have also been coaching and refereeing youth basketball for years, which has given me the chance to give back to the sport in a very different way. One thing that always fascinated me was the role athletic trainers played in helping athletes return from injury and back into competition. I remember watching NFL games on Sunday and seeing players leave with injuries, only to have athletic trainers step in and get them back on the field. What initially seemed like a quick fix became much more interesting as I learned about the knowledge, preparation, and rehabilitation behind the process. I realized that helping athletes recover and continue doing what they love could be just as rewarding as competing myself. That interest led me to enroll in the Sports Therapy and Exercise Management program at Middle Bucks Institute of Technology during high school. There, I studied anatomy, injury prevention, exercise science, and rehabilitation. I also completed two 90-hour clinical placements at different physical therapy facilities. During those experiences, I observed physical therapists, helped prepare equipment and treatment areas, and assisted with appropriate tasks under supervision. Those 180 hours gave me a better understanding of what it takes to help people recover and strengthen their bodies, whether they were a young athlete or an adult recovering from surgery. Those experiences also strengthened my interest in pursuing a career in healthcare. I'm now studying Exercise Science at King's College, where I plan to earn my master's degree in Athletic Training. My goal is to work directly with athletes, helping them prevent injuries, recover, and safely return to competition. My dream is to work at the collegiate or professional level. I want to be someone that athletes can depend on when they're working through setbacks. But there is also a significant financial investment in a combined undergraduate and graduate education. I am currently applying for scholarships and seeking on-campus employment to help offset the cost of my education and ease the financial burden on my family. Receiving the Anna & Ava Scholarship would help cover educational expenses and let me focus more time and energy on my academics, athletics, and preparation for my future career, and less on how I'm going to make it out of thousands of dollars in student loans once I graduate. Ultimately, Athletic Training gives me the opportunity to turn something I've loved my entire life into a career where I can make a difference for others.

From the first time I picked up a whistle at 14 as a junior official for my local youth league, I knew officiating would be more than just a job; it would become a part of who I am. When I turned 16, I took the test to become a certified PIAA referee, which allows me to work anything from youth leagues in my area to even high school games. Over the years, I’ve developed a reputation as the “dunking ref.” Whenever I walk into a gym, kids excitedly ask if I can dunk. When I can, I take a moment during halftime or at the end of a game to make it happen, and turning around to see them jump around like they just saw an NBA player reminds me why I ref: it’s not just about enforcing the rules, it’s about connecting with players, helping them create memories, and to inspire the next generation of athletes. Being a referee demands having confidence and composure in the heat of the moment. No matter what you call, there will be someone second-guessing you, and letting that affect you will lead to missed calls and botched decisions that can mess with all aspects of the game. Refereeing has taught me more than how to call fouls and the rules of the game; it has shaped who I am. I have learned how to be a leader, communicate effectively, and remain calm in demanding situations. These lessons extend beyond the hardwood, influencing how I approach my academics, athletics, and personal challenges, teaching me to face problems with confidence in myself and my decisions. I plan to continue my academics at King’s College, where I plan to referee to help with tuition, and I hope to expand my officiating experience to higher levels, such as junior varsity and varsity high school games. The ultimate goal is to referee at the collegiate level while mentoring younger referees who want to walk the same path I have. I was lucky to have a great group of mentors and people around me who helped me get to where I am now, and I want to pass that on. Officiating has become more than a job for me; it has become a passion that challenges, inspires, and constantly pushes me to grow as a leader. From that first whistle as a junior referee to working AAU tournaments today, officiating has been a long journey of growth, and I know that the lessons I’ve learned on the court will stay with me throughout college and beyond, guiding not only my career but the way I interact with problems in my life.

My name is Lucas Benscoter, and I am a senior at Central Bucks West High School. Basketball has been a central part of my life, shaping my dedication, discipline, and competitive mindset. In addition to playing, I also coach younger players and referee local games, experiences that have helped me grow as a leader and as a person. Basketball has played a significant role in my life, providing me with countless memories and opportunities for personal and athletic growth. I have participated in various leagues, including AAU, travel, and in-house leagues. Additionally, I have worked with trainers who have college basketball experience and have competed in tournaments with Total Skills and the Perkasie Knights. Throughout my journey, I have not only developed my skills but also learned how to adapt and communicate effectively with different teammates and coaches. Coaching younger players has helped me enhance my leadership abilities, while refereeing has taught me to remain calm under pressure and make fair, quick decisions. These experiences have given me a strong foundation in teamwork, communication, and discipline. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is balancing basketball with other school sports, academics, and work. Learning to manage my time effectively while maintaining focus on both my athletic and academic responsibilities was not easy; it forced me to develop strong time management skills and discipline. Competing in high-level tournaments and striving for playing time on competitive teams also pushed me to overcome self-doubt and stay motivated, even in times of doubt. As Kobe Bryant once said, “Rest at the end, not in the middle,” a mindset that has inspired me to keep pushing through challenges without giving up. These obstacles taught me the value of perseverance, resilience, and maintaining a positive mindset when faced with challenges. Through basketball, I have learned valuable lessons that will help me achieve my future goals. I have developed resilience, leadership skills, and the ability to work effectively with others, whether as a player, coach, or referee. These experiences have taught me how to stay focused under pressure, continually improve, and never settle for anything less than my best. I am confident that these lessons will accompany me as I pursue a degree in exercise science and work toward a career in athletic training or physical therapy, where teamwork, communication, and discipline will be just as essential as they have been on the court. Thank you for your consideration for this scholarship.