He played the center position on the 1941 NIT champion Long Island University team, and was team captain during the 1941-42 season under Hall of Fame coach Clair Bee.
He played the center position on the 1941 NIT champion Long Island University team. Beenders was also the Long Island's team (the Blackbirds) captain during the 1941-42 season under Hall of Fame coach Clair Bee.