Donnovan (DJ) Bennett ’02

Embracing the journey is as important as the destination, opines Donnovan Bennett ’02. 

From early childhood, that ideology and his passion for sports have well served the man affectionately known as DJ.

He was born in Toronto, mere blocks from the cavernous Rogers Sportsnet broadcast centre where, since 2013, he has written, produced, and hosted numerous programs. The former multi-sport athlete was raised in Markham, and after elementary school, his parents knew athletics and academics would be a good recipe for the youngster. After researching various schools, St. Andrew’s College was deemed the best fit, and he was enrolled as a Grade 9 boarding student.

“I went there kicking and screaming,” DJ says with patented humour and humility delivered through a megawatt smile. “Kilts and no girls? You’ve got to be kidding.”

DJ quickly acclimatized.

During his five-year tenure, he was a Prefect, captain of First Football, played First Basketball and First Rugby, and was awarded an Athletic ‘A’ given to graduating students who distinguished themselves as First team athletes in their final three years at the School.

“I wasn’t keen on rugby at first,” he chuckles. “I didn’t like the tight shorts and getting hit without a helmet.” Still, by Grade 10, he was a key player and offered a tryout with Canada’s Junior Rugby squad.

After graduating, DJ was recruited by several Ontario universities for their football programs. The compact running back opted for a full scholarship to Canisius College in Buffalo, NY. Regrettably, the Golden Griffins football team folded that autumn and DJ revisited an invitation from the University of Western Ontario, where he starred for the Mustangs while studying sociology with minors in philosophy and media, information & technoculture. 

While at Western, DJ was exposed to sports media and spent summers interning on CFL Snap, a weekly Canadian Football League show. In addition, he helped with Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) – now known as U Sports – productions and served as a sideline reporter.

Asked why he strived to become a sports journalist on a Life After Sports blog, DJ was blunt: “I knew I’d suck at anything else. I knew I couldn’t work a typical 9-to-5 in a cubical. I’d go stir crazy. Every paper or project I did as a child was sports-related. It’s the only topic I was ever passionate about.”

DJ’s process wasn’t serendipitous. It was laser-focused.

After graduating from Western in 2007, he joined The Score Television Network as a CIS colour analyst, host, and feature reporter. That seven-year stint, which included a Gemini Award nomination for his “The Score Celebrates Black History Month,” led to his current post at Sportsnet.

Lean and fit and attired with fashion-forward selections from his in-house wardrobe, the 36-year-old is lauded for his encyclopedic knowledge of sports and his ability to cover subjects with insight, humanity, and societal and cultural perspectives. In addition to writing and producing, DJ hosts videos for Sportsnet’s social media platforms, co-hosts the This Week in 30 broadcast, and on radio co-hosts Free Association, Sportsnet’s NBA podcast.

Balancing work and life is a priority. Married to Kate McKenna in 2016, the couple welcomed their first child, Desmond Timothy, in April 2019. Basketball and marathons keep DJ athletically competitive. Kate is a producer and on-air contributor at The Social, a Bell Media production.

“I’m sleeping with the enemy,” he quips. “Actually, we’re each other’s biggest cheerleaders.”

Having played sports at a high level is a broadcasting benefit, he says. “Having been in the arena, I try and give audiences a perspective based on empathy, curiosity, and understanding.”

SAC holds a special place in DJ’s heart. He attended his 10-year class reunion and has returned as a guest speaker on several occasions. His “small but mighty” friendship group includes fellow 2002 grads, Michael Faulds, James Gideon, Jimmy Healey, Peter McClelland, Oliver Radley-Smith, Giancarlo Trimarchi, and Nicholas Weedon. 

He says he is indebted to history teacher and football coach, Courtenay Shrimpton, for lessons learned in class and on the field. Math teacher and basketball coach, David Josselyn, was a valued mentor “who just got us,” DJ recalls. William Scoular, Head of Drama, will always be remembered for helping DJ establish the College’s first Black Theatre Group.

“SAC is a world-class school with people who care and invest in you,” he says. “It really is the sweet spot in your life.”

Where does he see himself in 10 years? “To continue working with people who are talented and have integrity and do what I’m doing but on a bigger platform and more eyeballs.”