By: Margaret Meier Benchich, Princeton Women's Basketball Legend

Why did you choose to attend an Ivy League institution?

I applied to one Ivy League institution—Princeton. I chose to attend for three key reasons: first, Princeton’s reputation for academic excellence across disciplines and the opportunities that this afforded me; second, the beauty of the campus and its close proximity to my family in Bucks County, Pa.; and finally, Princeton’s commitment to women—and women’s athletics in particular—which at the time was in its infancy but growing rapidly.

How do you feel your Ivy League experience helped prepare you for your career?

I had exceptional preparation for my career in the information technology industry. From an academic perspective, I explored a variety of disciplines, expanded my worldview from local to global and learned to think critically and communicate effectively.  From a sports perspective, I developed a deep commitment to teamwork, personal responsibility, hard work and winning. Socially, I met fascinating people from all walks of life and forged friendships that endure to this day. What I learned and experienced at Princeton from my academics, sports and social interactions are the foundational principles and skills that have underpinned my 40-year career.

What athletic accomplishment are you the most proud of?

My proudest moment was receiving Princeton’s C. Otto von Kienbusch Award in 1978. I shared the award with my basketball co-captain and teammate of four years, Jackie Jackson. It was the perfect capstone to our Princeton basketball careers.
 
What off-court accomplishment are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of raising three children who are now productive and compassionate adults, while also pursuing a challenging and meaningful career outside of the home. It was not easy, but worthwhile pursuits rarely are!

How did your Ivy League experience compare to your expectations?

My actual experience exceeded my expectations across the board. For example, Princeton was more challenging than I had expected—and I experienced more anxiety and stress than I had expected as well. I grew my knowledge, capabilities, insights and perspectives way beyond my expectations. But without a doubt, the undisputed highlight of my Princeton experience was being a part of Princeton women’s basketball. In every way, this experience exceeded expectations.
 
What Ivy League school did you enjoy competing against the most and why?

I’d have to say Yale. During my four years at Princeton, only one Ivy League school ever defeated us and that was Yale in the 1975-76 season. That single defeat stung and was a wake-up call for the team. We never let that happen again during my years on the team. At the Ivy League Tournament later that same season, we beat Yale soundly by double-digits.

How has the Ivy League community impacted your life or career?

The community has impacted my life in many ways. There are bonds of shared experience that connect all Ivy League graduates. As a result, the alumni network is amazingly strong. It provides community, opportunity and support during professional inflection points as well as life’s inevitable ups and downs. An example from my own personal experience: a Princeton alumnus hired me upon graduation and was my manager for my first two years as a professional. He provided the opportunity that resulted in my 40-year career in information technology. 
 
What is it like when you meet another former Ivy League student-athlete, and have you ever worked with another former Ivy League student-athlete?

There’s instant rapport. A recent example: I was in an elevator at the Perelman Center at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in 2016. A young woman standing next to me was wearing a Princeton women’s basketball fleece jacket. Of course, we struck up a conversation. It turns out she was Krystal Hill, Princeton Class of 2011, former women’s basketball captain and current University of Pennsylvania medical school student. Our conversation was easy, familiar and fun. I experienced warmth, camaraderie and a much needed lift during a very stressful time in my life.

_____________________________________________________________________

Margaret Meier Benchich was a Princeton women's basketball student-athlete from 1974-78. She is a member of the 2018 Class of Legends of Ivy League Basketball that will be formally honored during the 2018 Ivy League Men's and Women's Basketball Tournaments on Saturday, March 10, at The Palestra in Philadelphia. Purchase tickets at IvyMadness.com. 

ABOUT AUTHENTIC IVY:
Authentic Ivy is Ivy League student-athletes, coaches and alumni, in their own words. Stay tuned to IvyLeague.com for more Authentic Ivy features throughout the 2017-18 year.