It takes a village to help a team make it to the College World Series. Hermitage High alum Emory Bender was one of the equipment managers that helped the Florida Gators make it to the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, this month.

“It was so fun,” he said. “You get there and obviously you don’t know, you could be there for five days, you could be there for two weeks. So with every win, it’s just exciting. It’s fun to be part of that atmosphere.” 

Florida was Bender’s dream school, and although he did not continue pursuing his baseball career on the field, he knew he still wanted to be involved with the sport. 

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“I have a cousin that went to the University of Florida about 20 years ago, and one of his friends has a job with the basketball team,” he said. “So I emailed him … ‘I really want to work in baseball post-college. Is there any way I could? Or, you know, could I possibly be an equipment manager?'”

Bender made contact with the head equipment manger, and from there began working for the Gators’ baseball team as a freshman in college. 

Emory Bender

Emory Bender

Emory Bender

“I figured this was the perfect place to start,” he said. 

On an average day, Bender and the eight other equipment managers arrive to the field early to set up nets and prepare baseballs and other equipment that may be needed, as well as helping out during practices as baserunners or infielders. After practice, they clean up and do laundry. 

For game days, they also have to put out uniforms in the locker room and help out during games as ball boys, as well as bringing equipment in and out of the dugout. 

One of the perks of the job is getting to travel with the teams for road games, including the College World Series. 

Emory Bender

Emory Bender (standing, right) helps the maintenance crew with preparing the field before a game. 

UAA Communications

“I never thought I was gonna go to the College World Series in my life, but I got to do it as a part of the team I grew up watching,” he said. “It’s just amazing. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

During the Gators’ time in Omaha, the team took down UVa, Oral Roberts and TCU.

“I got to stay there with the players, and it’s fun to just be a part of that atmosphere – they’re winning, they’re all excited,” he said.

The Gators lost in Game 3 of the final series against SEC-rival LSU, but one of the major takeaways for Bender is how close everyone on the team got and the importance of bonding. 

“When I started with this job, you know, I wasn’t the most talkative or any of that kind of stuff. By the end we’re just such a close group of guys,” he said. “It was just fun, it was bittersweet.”

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Although the season did not end with a national championship, Bender plans to continue his role in Gainesville throughout his college career, and said that the Gators will be back for more. 

“We’ll see you all again next year. That’s it,” he said. 

2023 VHSL spring sports tournaments

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Freeman girl’s lacrosse players hold up the trophy after defeating Independence in the Class 5 championship game in Ashburn on Saturday, June 10.

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Freeman girl’s lacrosse players celebrate after defeating Independence in the Class 5 championship game in Ashburn on Saturday, June 10.

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Freeman girl’s lacrosse players celebrate after defeating Independence in the Class 5 championship game in Ashburn on Saturday, June 10.

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Independence goalie Scarlett Thompson blocks a shot during the Class 5 championship game against Freeman in Ashburn on Saturday, June 10.

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Freeman fans cheer for the girl’s lacrosse team during the Class 5 championship game in Ashburn on Saturday, June 10.

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Freeman attacker Audrey Jones reaches for the ball during the Class 5 championship game against Independence in Ashburn on Saturday, June 10.

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Freeman midfielder Grace Moore defends the ball during the Class 5 championship game against Independence in Ashburn on Saturday, June 10.

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Freeman midfielder Ella Davis defends the ball during the Class 5 championship game against Independence in Ashburn on Saturday, June 10.

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Freeman midfielder Bridget Wilson shoots the ball against Independence during the Class 5 championship game in Ashburn on Saturday, June 10.

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Hanover’s Olivia Gibson is out after sliding toward second base during the Class 4 state semifinals against Louisa on Friday, June 9.

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Hanover’s Meghan Deshazo watches the ball as she runs toward third base during the Class 4 state semifinals against Louisa on Friday, June 9.

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Louisa softball players celebrate after beating Hanover 5-3 in the Class 4 state semifinals on Friday, June 9.

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Hanover’s Mackenzie Ryerson cheers on her teammate during the Class 4 state semifinals against Louisa on Friday, June 9.

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Louisa’s Emily Gillespie pitches the ball during the Class 4 state semifinals against Hanover on Friday, June 9.

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Hanover pitcher Brie Wheeler pitches the ball against Louisa during the Class 4 state semifinals on Friday, June 9.

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Louisa softball players celebrate after beating Hanover 5-3 in the Class 4 state semifinals on Friday, June 9.

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Hanover pitcher Nolan Williamson pitches the ball during the Class 4 state semifinals against James Wood on Friday, June 9.

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Hanover catcher Booty Simons runs toward first base during the Class 4 state semifinals against James Wood on Friday, June 9.

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Hanover’s Tavis Spiller runs toward third base during the Class 4 state semifinals against James Wood on Friday, June 9.

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Hanover pitcher Nolan Williamson is among those that will be featured in Wednesday’s state All-Star Game.

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Hanover’s Jack Bowles swings at the ball during the Class 4 state semifinals against James Wood on Friday, June 9.

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Hanover pitcher Brie Wheeler pitches the ball against Louisa during the Class 4 state semifinals on Friday, June 9.

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Louisa’s Emily Gillespie pitches the ball during the Class 4 state semifinals against Hanover on Friday, June 9.

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Hanover’s Meghan Deshazo watches the ball as she runs toward third base during the Class 4 state semifinals against Louisa on Friday, June 9.

Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH 061023-rtd-sp-highschool

Hanover’s Mackenzie Ryerson cheers on her teammate during the Class 4 state semifinals against Louisa on Friday, June 9.

Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH 061023-rtd-sp-highschool

Hanover’s Olivia Gibson is out after sliding toward second base during the Class 4 state semifinals against Louisa on Friday, June 9.

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Midlothian pitcher Marlee Gaskell delivers a pitch during the Trojans’ loss to Riverside in the Region 5C quarterfinals.

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Midlothian players celebrate with Kimberly Jones after Jones’ home run gave the Trojans a short-lived lead in the fifth inning of their state quarterfinal loss.

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Riverside’s Ashley Gabbert celebrates with assistant coach Karen Avvisato behind Midlothian first baseman Lisa Broussard during the Trojans’ state-quarterfinal loss. Riverside advances to play Hickory in the Class 5 semifinals.

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Riverside’s Kaylan Hoehn and Tylor Arnold celebrate during their team’s victory in a Region 5C state quarterfinal game.

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Riverside’s Ashley Gabbert slides into second base during the Region 5C state quarterfinal against Midlothian on Tuesday, June 6.

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Riverside’s Charlotte Moore swings at the ball during the Region 5C state quarterfinal against Midlothian on Tuesday, June 6.

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Riverside’s Ashley Gabbert celebrates with assistant coach Karen Avvisato during the Region 5C state quarterfinal against Midlothian on Tuesday, June 6.

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Midlothian softball players celebrate with Kimberly Jones after her home run during the state quarterfinal matchup against Riverside. Riverside prevailed in extra innings.

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Riverside’s Kaylan Hoehn and Tylor Arnold celebrate during the Region 5C state quarterfinal against Midlothian on Tuesday, June 6.

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Riverside’s Kaylie Avvisato runs toward third base during the Region 5C state quarterfinal against Midlothian on Tuesday, June 6.

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Midlothian’s Kimberly Jones tries to tag Riverside’s Ashley Gabbert out at second base during Tuesday’s state quarterfinal game.

Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH 060723-rtd-sp-highschool

Midlothian pitcher Marlee Gaskell pitches the ball against Riverside during the state quarterfinal matchup on Tuesday.

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Midlothian pitcher Marlee Gaskell pitches the ball against Riverside during the Region 5C state quarterfinal on Tuesday, June 6.

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Midlothian starter Marlee Gaskell delivers a pitch during the Trojans’ Region 5C semifinal victory.

Mike Kropf, TIMES-DISPATCH 060123-rtd-met-hsplayoffs

Midlothian’s Ellie Mulligan celebrates during the Trojans’ Region 5C semifinal victory over Mills Godwin on Wednesday. Mulligan homered twice and drove in five runs.

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Mills Godwin’s Luke Smyers delivers a pitch during the Eagles’ victory over Midlothian in the Region 5C semifinals Wednesday.

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Mills Godwin’s Luke Smyers

Mike Kropf, TIMES-DISPATCH 060123-rtd-met-hsplayoffs

Midlothian players celebrate their team scoring a run during the Trojans’ Region 5C loss to Mills Godwin on Wednesday.

Mike Kropf, TIMES-DISPATCH 060123-rtd-met-hsplayoffs

Midlothian players celebrate as Chase Chambers returns home during a Region 5C semifinal game against Mills Godwin on Wednesday.

Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH 060123-rtd-met-hsplayoffs

Deep Run’s Alana Collier practices her swing during a Region 5C semifinal game against Clover Hill on Wednesday.

Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH 060123-rtd-met-hsplayoffs

Mills Godwin pitcher Hank Piersol pitches the ball during a Region 5C semifinal game against Midlothian on Wednesday.

Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH 060123-rtd-met-hsplayoffs

Midlothian right fielder Emma Salzman celebrates during a Region 5C semifinal game against Mills Godwin on Wednesday.

Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH 060123-rtd-met-hsplayoffs

Midlothian players celebrate as Chase Chambers returns home during a Region 5C semifinal game against Mills Godwin on Wednesday.

Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH 060123-rtd-met-hsplayoffs

Midlothian center fielder Ellie Mulligan celebrates during a Region 5C semifinal game against Mills Godwin on Wednesday.

Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH 060123-rtd-met-hsplayoffs

Deep Run’s Alana Collier swings at the ball during a Region 5C semifinal game against Clover Hill on Wednesday.

Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH 060123-rtd-met-hsplayoffs

Clover Hill pitcher Angelina Branch pitches the ball against Deep Run during the Region 5C semifinals on Wednesday.

Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH 060123-rtd-met-hsplayoffs

Midlothian’s Cooper Meads runs toward third base during a Region 5C semifinal game against Mills Godwin on Wednesday.

Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH 060123-rtd-met-hsplayoffs

Deep Run pitcher Hope Tate pitches the ball during a Region 5C semifinal game against Clover Hill on Wednesday.

Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH 060123-rtd-met-hsplayoffs

Mills Godwin pitcher Luke Smyers delivers during the Region 5C semifinal against Midlothian on Wednesday.

Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH 060123-rtd-met-hsplayoffs

Mills Godwin pitcher Anna Grace Howe pitches the ball against Midlothian during the Region 5C semifinals on Wednesday.

Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH 060123-rtd-met-hsplayoffs

Midlothian pitcher Marlee Gaskell pitches the ball against Mills Godwin during the Region 5C semifinals on Wednesday.

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Midlothian’s Nico Dellicapagni expresses his displeasure with a referee’s call during the Trojans’ loss to Deep Run in the Region 5C semifinals Tuesday night.

Mike Kropf, TIMES-DISPATCH 053123-rtd-sp-hsplayoffs

Douglas Freeman players celebrate after scoring their final goal by Hayden Schwartz in a 3-0 victory over Glen Allen in the Region 5C semifinals Tuesday night. The Mavericks will play Deep Run for the region title Friday night at Mills Godwin High School.

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Freeman’s Nicholas Gavin and Walker Hogan celebrate after beating Glen Allen in the Region 5C playoffs on Tuesday.

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Freeman soccer players celebrate after scoring a third goal against Glen Allen during the Region 5C playoffs on Tuesday.

Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH 053123-rtd-sp-hsplayoffs

Midlothian forward Nico Dellicapagni disagrees with a referee during a Region 5C playoff game against Deep Run on Tuesday.

Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH 053123-rtd-sp-hsplayoffs

Freeman midfielder Hayden Shwartz drives with the ball against Glen Allen during the Region 5C playoffs on Tuesday.

Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH 053123-rtd-sp-hsplayoffs

Deep Run’s Jack Shwarz heads the ball during a Region 5C playoff game against Midlothian on Tuesday.

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Glen Allen’s Riley Irmen and Freeman forward Owen McGuill fight for the ball during the Region 5C playoffs on Tuesday.

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Freeman forward Arnes Popara and Glen Allen’s Matthew Ross fight for the ball during the Region 5C playoffs on Tuesday.

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Midlothian forward Jayden King shoots the ball against Deep Run during the Region 5C playoffs on Tuesday.

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Midlothian’s Landon Locke, left, and Luke McMahon celebrate a goal against Douglas Freeman. Locke scored three times and McMahon twice in the Trojans’ 11-10 win.

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Midlothian’s Landon Locke shields Douglas Freeman’s Garrett Suter from the ball during the Region 5C championship game at Glen Allen High School on Thursday.

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Douglas Freeman attacker Charles Bernhardt is knocked to the turf during the Mavericks’ loss to Midlothian in Thursday’s Region 5C championship game.

Mike Kropf, TIMES-DISPATCH 052623-rtd-sp-5cregionlax

Freeman midfielder Wit Rader defends the ball during the Region 5C championship game against Midlothian in Glen Allen on Thursday.

Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH 052623-rtd-sp-5cregionlax

Midlothian attacker Landon Locke defends the ball from Freeman midfielder Garrett Suter during the Region 5C championship game in Glen Allen on Thursday.

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Freeman attacker Charles Bernhardt is knocked to the ground during the Region 5C championship game against Midlothian in Glen Allen on Thursday.

Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH 052623-rtd-sp-5cregionlax

Freeman attacker Thomas Rader runs with the ball during the Region 5C championship game against Midlothian in Glen Allen on Thursday.

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Midlothian attacker Landon Locke defends the ball from Freeman midfielder Graham Daly during the Region 5C championship game in Glen Allen on Thursday.

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Midlothian head lacrosse coach Greg Barnard speaks to a referee during the Region 5C championship game against Freeman in Glen Allen on Thursday.

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Freeman midfielder Zackary Stewart defends the ball from Midlothian’s Stephen Siegel during the Region 5C championship game in Glen Allen on Thursday.

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Midlothian attacker Andrew Baker, left, walks toward Landon Locke and Luke McMahon as they celebrate after a goal during the Region 5C championship game against Freeman in Glen Allen on Thursday.

Mike Kropf/TIMES-DISPATCH

Melanie Martinez-Lopez (804) 649-6442

[email protected]

@melanieml33 on Twitter

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