Game On: How Broadcaster Kenzie Benali Turned Passion into Profession

Kenzie Benali’s journey from a sport-loving child to a broadcaster standing on the world’s most iconic sporting stages is a story rooted in passion, perseverance, and the power of a supportive school community. Her time at King Edward VI School was not just a chapter in her life, it was, as she says, a foundation that shaped her into the person she is today.

Early Inspiration and School Days

Kenzie’s love of sport began at home, in a family where football and tennis were part of daily life. “My mum was a brilliant tennis player, and my dad loved football, and played professionally for Southampton FC - My brother and I were always playing something,” she recalls. Sport was more than a pastime; it was a way to make friends, build confidence, and learn about teamwork.

But it wasn’t just sport that captured Kenzie’s imagination. From a young age, she was drawn to broadcasting. “I always knew that broadcasting was going to be for me because, quite simply, I love to talk,” she laughs. The dream took hold on her tenth birthday, when her parents gave her a crystal-studded toy microphone. “From that moment onwards, I was running around the house interviewing my family about anything and everything. I just thought, ‘I’d love to do this for real one day.’”

Her school years at KES were pivotal. “I attended King Edward’s between the years of 2006 and 2011 and I can honestly say I loved every single second. It will always be such a special place to me. I am still in touch with the friends I made there and I really firmly believe that King Edward’s helped to shape me as a person and I still look back so fondly on the memories I have from my time there, so it really is a very, very special School.”

Finding Her Path in Broadcasting

After leaving King Edward’s, Kenzie set her sights on a career in broadcasting, though she quickly realised there was no set path. “It’s one of those industries where there’s no exact route in,” she explains. Determined to learn every aspect of the trade, she studied multimedia journalism at Southampton Solent University. “I wanted people to know that yes, I wanted to be on camera, but I was also serious about learning how to operate the camera, how to write, how to edit. I wanted to learn the tools of the trade.”

Kenzie didn’t wait for opportunities to come to her. While at university, she hired equipment and persuaded her brother to help her film a showreel around Southampton. “I was just talking about sport to the camera, and it gave me something to show people — ‘Look, this is what I can do.’ That was my first rung on the ladder.”

Life in the Sporting Spotlight

Kenzie’s hard work paid off. Today, she is a familiar face on our TV’s at major sporting events across the country. “No two days are ever the same,” she says. “I’m a broadcaster working mainly in sport and entertainment — an event host, a stadium announcer, and a voice for all sorts of live moments. I travel across the country, and sometimes the world, covering everything from football, tennis and cricket to rugby and even fashion shows. It’s fast-paced, unpredictable and incredibly exciting — and I love every minute of it.”

Her work has taken her to some of the most prestigious venues in sport. “I’ve worked at the World Cup, Wimbledon, and for England Cricket, Rugby, and Football. You might have seen me at Wembley, Lord’s, or Twickenham, microphone in hand, pitch side, talking about the action. It’s very fast-paced, and often everything I do is live, which is both exciting and challenging. The atmosphere, the crowds, the unpredictability - it’s a brilliant job.”

Wimbledon really stands out. “Working at Wimbledon has been a real highlight for me. I’ve always loved tennis, so the first time I walked through those gates and stood on Centre Court was a special moment. It’s so iconic. But honestly, just being at major matches for England, seeing sport at its highest level, is always a pinch-me moment.”

Championing Women and Inspiring the Next Generation

Kenzie’s influence extends beyond the pitch. In 2022, she delivered a TEDx talk on women in football - an experience she describes as both daunting and rewarding. “Being asked to do a TEDx talk was a massive honour. I spoke about women in football, which is something I’m passionate about. Standing on that red dot and speaking for 20 minutes was a completely different challenge to live broadcasting, but it really helped me grow, both professionally and personally. Seeing my family in the audience, knowing they were proud of me, is something I’ll never forget.”

Reflecting on her journey, Kenzie credits KES with giving her the confidence to pursue her dreams. “I believe everybody has it within them to achieve greatness, but sometimes you need the right people or the right environment to help draw that out. For me, King Edward’s was that place. The support, the friendships, the opportunities - they all played a part in helping me become who I am today.”

Her advice for young people is simple: “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, to try new things, and to work hard. Build your skills, make connections, and don’t give up if things don’t happen straight away. If you love what you do, and you’re willing to work for it, you can make your dreams a reality.”

Kenzie Benali’s story is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and a supportive school community. From running around King Edward’s with a dream, to standing centre stage at some of the world’s biggest sporting events, she proves that with self-belief and the right foundations, anything is possible.