Top 2025 recruit Sydney Benally commits to Princeton

Top 2025 recruit Sydney Benally has committed to Princeton, she told On3. She chose the Tigers over  UNLV, BYU and Northwestern. 

“Being with the coaching staff and the girls, I really enjoyed my visit there,” Benally told On3. “I could see myself there on campus, even knowing that it’s far from home. I felt like I was able to connect with the coaching staff, and I really enjoyed their style of play and their winning atmosphere, so I’m excited to be a part of it.” 

Benally formed strong relationships with the coaching staff this past summer, and on her official visit, she just knew it was the place for her. 

“They always were supportive,” Benally said. “Even though I just got to know them this past summer, I feel like I was able to connect with them well. I think, overall, it was the visit that made us like closer and it made the recruiting process more exciting.” 

Sydney Benally, a 5-foot-8 point guard from Albuquerque (New Mexico) Sandia High School, can see herself fitting into Princeton’s gritty defense and play style. 

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

The biggest factors for Benally were relationships with the coaching staff, the community and academics. Princeton checked all three boxes perfectly. 

“What I’m excited for the most is just continuing that relationship with the coaching staff,” Benally said. “Also being at Princeton University as a student is exciting in itself. I’m excited to make my family proud.”

Princeton is getting a high IQ point guard in Benally and a strong defensive presence. 

“I would say I have a strong IQ and I’m a pass first point guard,” Sydney Benally told On3. “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.”