Top 2025 recruit Sydney Benally remains committed to BYU in the midst of coaching change

Top 2025 recruit Sydney Benally told On3 that she still plans to attend BYU despite a head coaching change. BYU recently parted ways with head coach Amber Whiting.

“I found out about the coaching switch from social media, but it didn’t make an impact on my decision,” Benally told On3. “I created a relationship with the whole staff and I really see myself at BYU. I based my decision on basketball, but also the school as a whole.”

Benally, a 5-foot-8 point guard from Albuquerque (New Mexico) Sandia High School, flipped her commitment from Princeton to BYU in December. 

“Over the holidays, it was kind of a reality check, knowing how far I’d be from home,” Benally told On3 in December. “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.”