Auburn senior DJ Bennett has shattered records and made history throughout her career on the Plains. Once ranked No. 4 in her recruiting class coming out of high school, Bennett now reflects on the series of events that led her to become the most decorated player in program history.
For Bennett, the idea of a “domino effect” rings true. One moment can change the trajectory of everything, and her journey has been anything but predictable. During high school, she endured an injury that ultimately helped shape her future.
“There were a couple of results that I had before I got injured,” Bennett said. “I made it to the finals of the Easter Bowl in Girls 16s, and there was a video on YouTube that was posted of my highlights from that match. That’s how a lot of coaches found me because once recruiting started for me, I had already been hurt.”
They always say, ‘when you know you know’ and that certainly rang true for Bennett. It was love at first sight for Bennett, solidifying that Auburn was the right choice for her.
“Auburn was my first official visit, and it was the only official visit that I took,” said the four-time All-America selection. “I knew from the moment that I came here that this was the school that I wanted to go to. I fell in love with the campus, the people and the girls on the team, and I could not picture myself going anywhere else.”
Reflecting on her time at Auburn, Bennett has no doubt that she made the right choice. She credits her junior year to being one of the most rewarding seasons in her career thus far. A moment in time spent achieving many goals and surrounded by the people she loved most while doing it.
“My goal for every single year was to do better than I did the year before,” Bennett said. “For the most part, I accomplished that, and Jordan (Szabo), Pete (Francis) and Val (Zeleva) were a really big help in getting me to where I wanted to be.”
Bennett’s accomplishments exceed what she once imagined as a recruit. She leaves Auburn with two ITA singles All-America honors and two ITA doubles All-America honors, along with three All-SEC selections. At the 2024-25 NCAA Singles and Doubles Championships, she became just the second player in program history to reach the singles finals and was part of the second doubles team in program history to reach the semifinals.
Beyond the accolades, Bennett established herself as a leader. As a captain, she embraced the responsibility of guiding younger teammates and representing the program’s culture.
“I have definitely learned a lot of lessons being the team captain,” said the former top-ranked ITA singles player. “I showed everybody the ropes and what Auburn women’s tennis is about, which was really important. I’m glad I had the opportunity to do that and take the reins.”
For Bennett, the relationships she built will leave the most lasting impact. She hopes to return often to visit and continue hitting with the team. She also credits her coaches for playing a pivotal role in her development both on and off the court.
“I love all the coaches, Jordan, Pete and Val,” Bennett said. “They have helped me improve so much as a tennis player and as a person. I’ve learned a lot of important lessons from all three of them, and I really look up to them. I’ve really enjoyed getting to work with them over the past two years. It’s been really fun.”
As she reflects on her time at Auburn, Bennett emphasizes the importance of the everyday moments. The small experiences, she says, are what made Auburn feel like home.
“Hanging out with everyone and doing things around town, even going to Target, is going to be something I will miss,” said the recent Auburn graduate. “I would also say walks to class. I know that sounds weird, but walking to class with some of the girls, it’s the little things.”
