"He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’" -Matthew 25:45

Coach Anthony “Tony” Bennett is originally from Clintonville, Wisconsin. Bennett is currently the Head Coach of the University of Virginia men’s basketball team. He has been coaching the Cavaliers since 2009. Before blowing the whistle at UVA, he had a long-playing career. Bennett played college hoops at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay (1988-1992). Then, he was the point guard for the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets from 1992-1995. He finished his playing career with the North Harbour Vikings in New Zealand and the Sydney Kings in Australia, respectively. Coach Bennett began his coaching career with the North Harbour Vikings. In 1999, Bennett had an opportunity to become an assistant coach in his home state with the University of Wisconsin Badgers, where he served until 2003. After his stint with the Badgers, he moved on to the Pacific 12 Conference then the Pacific 10 Conference as an Assistant Coach for the Washington State Cougars’ men’s basketball team. During his tenure, he was promoted from Assistant to Associate to Head Coach. The team had great success under his leadership. Bennett led the 2006-07 Cougars to a 26-8 record, then followed up with 26-9 record the next season. After struggling during the 2008-09 season with a 17-16 record, Bennett had an opportunity to be the head man for the University of Virginia. Since coaching UVA in 2009, the Cavaliers have won four ACC regular season championships, two ACC Tournament championships, and a National Championship in 2019. Because of his team’s success at Washington State and Virginia, Coach Bennett has been nationally recognized for his leadership. He was named Pac-10 Coach of the Year in 2007, AP & Naismith Coach of the Year twice in 2007 and 2018, ACC Coach of the Year in 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019 among other accolades. While Bennett has had much success as a head coach in college basketball, his most important and greatest accomplishment is becoming a Christian. I love the way that he carries himself as a Christian. He has a certain calmness about himself that is evident. His teams always seem to exhibit a certain level of class and professionalism so noticeable that it is clear they follow his lead. Coach Tony Bennett turned down a raise that was offered to him in 2019. He requested that the money that was offered to him instead be used to give his coaching staff raises and enhance other athletic programs. Bennett said in an article released by UVA, ”I have more than enough, and if there are ways that this can help out the athletic department, the other programs and coaches, by not tying up so much [in men’s basketball], that’s my desire.” This is a great act of selflessness, contentment, thankfulness, and humility. Be thankful and content for all the things that God has done in your life without being greedy and complaining. Help those need it. Acts 20:35 reminds us that “It is better to give than receive.” We all are blessed in so many ways. It is important for us to remember that there are many individuals who are dealing with a lot worse than we are. Always remember that we are blessed to be a blessing to those who are in need. We are blessed to be a blessing.