Sam Bonafede is not only one of the most multidimensional midfielders in the nation, but one of the best.
The Chaminade High School rising junior was ranked No. 4 last fall on Inside Lacrosse’s Top 20 Young Gun Sophomore Watchlist.
So it should as no surprise that the 5-foot-8, 165-pound righty had his pick of the premier programs.
As we told you last week, Bonafede will take his array of skills to Princeton University after two more seasons with the Flyers.
Now, here are Sam’s thoughts on his college choice.
What were the main factors in your decision?
I wanted to attend a school with a both a rich history of lacrosse and excellent academics. Princeton University, one of the most distinguished universities in the the world, with six national championships was my overwhelming choice. I enjoy History and International Studies. Princeton will optimize these opportunities while playing top 10 division 1 lacrosse.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
I strongly considered and visited Harvard, Penn, Dartmouth, Notre Dame and Princeton.
What was your final list of schools down to?
My final list consisted of Penn, Notre Dame and Princeton. I enjoyed every visit to each of the schools. The coaches and staff all went out of their way to make these visits informative and pressureless. It was a difficult decision to make. My family helped me tremendously but ultimately the choice was up to me. I am proud and humbled to have the opportunity to attend Princeton and play lacrosse.
What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
My strengths as a player would definitely be strong between-the-lines play and dodging from up top and from the wings lefty and righty. I would describe my play as quick, shifty and smart.
Who have been some of the biggest influences on you during your development as a player?
The biggest influence on my game have been my coaches. My coaches at Chaminade, Long Express, and my first coach at Bay Shore PAL, have been extremely positive influences on my game. I am very thankful for great coaches and a supportive family.
* For more info on Sam, check out his player profile by clicking here.
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Posted In: CHSAA lacrosse, Recruiting Rundown
[…] The No. 4-ranked player on Inside Lacrosse’s Top 20 Young Gun Sophomore Watch List, Bonafede, now a junior, is a dodging midfielder with good quickness, speed and shiftiness and a high lacrosse IQ. He has committed to the admission process at Princeton. […]