Top 2025 recruit Sydney Benally cites defense-oriented playstyle as one of her major deciding factors for commitment to Carla Berube's Princeton

Top 2025 recruit Sydney Benally has chosen Princeton University, citing its defense-oriented playstyle as one of the key factors in her decision. The talented 5-foot-8 point guard hails from Sandia High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

After weighing her options among programs like UNLV, BYU and Northwestern, she felt an undeniable connection with the Tigers.

Sydney explained the reason behind her choice.

"I like how they value defense first, and that’s what I pride myself on. They’re looking to play with multiple point guards on the floor, so I see myself fitting well," she said.

While speaking to One3, Benally said:

“I really enjoyed my visit there. I could see myself there on campus, even knowing that it’s far from home.”

It was this sense of belonging, combined with the university’s commitment to a gritty, defensive approach that swayed her.

Benally’s official visit to Princeton played a pivotal role in her recruitment. During the trip, she formed meaningful relationships with the coaching staff and current players, which made her decision feel even more personal.

“They always were supportive,” she explained. “Even though I just got to know them this past summer, I feel like I was able to connect with them well.”

The camaraderie she felt during her visit played a key role in the recruiting process, making her commitment to the Tigers a natural next step.

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Sydney Benally is heading to Ivy League

Sydney Benally, the remarkable senior combo guard from Sandia High School, has made a big splash in the world of high school basketball by committing to Princeton University.

Recognized as the top returning high school girls basketball player in New Mexico for the 2024-25 season, Benally announced her decision to a crowd of supporters at Bosque School on a sunny Sunday afternoon.

She shared her excitement about making a choice that perfectly balances her love for basketball and her commitment to academics, saying:

“I think it was the best choice for me, just knowing it’s high in academics, and also it’s a winning atmosphere.”

In a fierce recruiting battle where 25 different colleges pursued her, Sydney Benally eventually decided on Princeton, beating out notable programs like UNLV, BYU and Northwestern. The Tigers had a solid 25-5 season last year and took home the Ivy League title, although they faced a tough loss to West Virginia in the NCAA Tournament.

For Sydney, the combination of a winning program and strong academics was a no-brainer.

“It was the best choice for me,” she emphasized, reflecting on how much she values both her studies and her athletic pursuits.

As she gears up for her final season with the Matadors, Sydney Benally’s focus is firmly on basketball and her teammates. With practices starting soon, she feels a great sense of relief having made her decision so that she can dive into her senior year.

Last season, she showcased her talent, averaging 21.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.3 steals per game, shooting impressively, both from the field and from beyond the arc.