Top 2025 recruit Sydney Benally flips from Princeton to BYU

Top 2025 recruit Sydney Benally has decommitted from Princeton and committed to BYU, she announced on Friday morning. 

Sydney Benally, a 5-foot-8 point guard from Albuquerque (New Mexico) Sandia High School, told On3 that location was a major factor in this challenging decision. 

“Over the holidays, it was kind of a reality check, knowing how far I’d be from home,” Benally told On3. “I think that mostly played into the decision. I wanted to be closer to home and play in front of my family. BYU, being in Utah, is also a native country, so I’m excited about this chapter and getting to play on a big stage against competition in the Big 12.”

Aside from location, Benally’s culture played a part in committing to BYU. 

“I really like BYU and their culture, the fact that they’re faith-based,” Benally said. “I really connected to the coaching staff, and I would say that they did recruit me the hardest, and I just enjoyed their trips that they’ve taken to New Mexico to see me.”

BYU is getting a high-IQ point guard in Benally. 

“I would say I have a strong IQ and I’m a pass first point guard,” Sydney Benally told On3 in a previous interview. “I like to get my teammates involved and try to set them up in the best positions for them to succeed. I pride myself on defense and knowing what I can work on for the next level is getting stronger and just tightening up my skills and being the best leader I can be.”

Although Benally notes this wasn’t an easy decision for her, she’s excited for the opportunities ahead at BYU. 

 I think I’m most excited just to form new relationships with the girls and just move forward in the process,” Benally said. “I’m excited for the competition, and just overall, the community of BYU.”