Rock Hill, SC – Jalen Roy Benjamin was born to Yolanda Springs & Willie Benjamin Jr. on December 23, 1994, in Charlotte, NC. His life journey completed abruptly August 10, 2024.
He was a beloved son, brother, cousin, nephew, grandson, devoted boyfriend, godfather, dedicated coach, mentor, and a great friend to many. He was preceded in death by his adorned grandmother Evelyn Buchanan.
He was known for his infectious energy, bright smile, and ability to make those around him laugh and always look at the brightside of anything and everything!
At an early age, Jalen’s love of baseball was inherited from his father. His adoration for the sport carried as he graduated Olympic High School and continued in college at West Virginia State University. He always had a true understanding of the sport and enjoyed coaching the youth in his free time. This led to his earning of his master’s degree in Sport Coaching from West Virginia University.
Jalen had a successful coaching career, shaping the lives of many young athletes. He coached multiple travel baseball teams and served as an Assistant Baseball Coach at Legion Collegiate Academy from 2019 to 2022, where he helped lead the team to a South Carolina State Championship
in 2021 under Head Coach Devon Lowery. He then continued his coaching career as an Assistant Coach at Norfolk State University from 2022 to 2023 before returning to Legion Collegiate Academy as Head Coach, a position he held until his passing.
He was not only committed to developing talented players but also focused on nurturing great character in the young players he coached. He believed that baseball was more than just a game; it was a platform for teaching important life values. His legacy will undoubtedly live on through the countless lives he touched.
Jalen will be deeply missed by his family, friends, players, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His impact on the world of baseball and beyond will never be forgotten. In honoring Jalen’s memory, let us all remember his belief: “Don’t waste your presence.” May we carry forward his legacy by living each day with purpose, kindness, and the same unwavering commitment he showed to making a difference in the lives of others.
Leaving to cherish his memories are his parents, Yolanda Springs and Willie Benjamin Jr., his sister, Nia-Jasmeen Millerbey, his aunt, Shawn Wright (Willie’s sister and brother-in-law), grandparents Carolyn &Willie Benjamin Sr., and Marvin Springs, loving girlfriend Alex Stratton, an abundance of great aunts, uncles, cousins, and a plethora of friends and colleagues.
A Celebration of Life will take place on August 17, 2024, at 2:00 PM. The event will be held at Oakdale Baptist Church, located at 1249 Oakdale Road, Rock Hill, SC 29730. This event is open to the public, and all are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Jalen Benjamin Memorial Scholarship Fund by clicking the QR code below.
