About The Author
Kevin Benn - Creator of the Rise Above Journal
Hi, I’m Kevin.
I was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and grew up in a household of five. Life wasn’t always easy. I was diagnosed with ADHD at age six, and I moved houses almost every year during some parts of my childhood. My parents separated when I was 8 years old, and I watched many of my friends struggle with the same challenges over and over again while others became professional athletes and entrepreneurs.
One thing always gave me hope was sport. Baseball was my first love when I was nine years old. Then came football. At 13, I fell in love with basketball. I had almost no skills when I first started, but I had a dream. When I tried out for my high school basketball team, I gave it everything I had. Out of 60 kids, I made the team of 12 players. That moment taught me what resilience really meant.
From there, my journey took me to college on scholarship in 2001. I gained a lot of knowledge during my three college years while away from my family. After reconnecting with childhood friends, I began playing with professional athletes from Europe and Australia and training with NBA players from the Orlando Magic. In 2005, I moved to Australia, where I played and coached for many clubs in Victoria with teams like the McKinnon Cougars, Westernport Steelers, Keysborough Cougars, Waverley Falcons (back to back state championships), and the Frankston Blues. I’m forever grateful for the impact basketball has had in my life. I have made lifetime friends, some I consider family, and have had the chance to positively impact many people.
With so much success and experience gained, I always felt a greater sense of responsibility to give basketball families something that empowers them to push beyond their limited beliefs. I also became a father of two beautiful girls who are sports driven, which gives me an even greater sense of responsibility to lead them in the right direction.
That is why, from 2023, I came up with the idea of the Rise Above Journal. I saw a gap in sport. With all the distractions in the world today, it is more important than ever for young athletes to have a tool that helps with personal development. The mental side of the game often gets left behind, and in some cases forgotten. This journal is the guide I wish I had when I was younger. Inside, you will find tools to help you set goals, reflect, build your confidence, stay focused, learn to bounce back from setbacks, and become the best version of yourself on and off the court.
You are not alone. You are not too far behind. You are absolutely capable of greatness.
“Your mindset is your greatest skill. Sharpen it.”
– Kevin Benn
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