Will Bonaparte’s impact for Ridgefield’s boys lacrosse team starts in the faceoff X.
But his contributions go far beyond that.
His skills as a two-way midfielder made him a target recruit of several of the nation’s top programs.
On Saturday, the rising junior made his choice. As first reported on Twitter.com/joe_lombardi, Bonaparte gave a verbal commitment to the University of Maryland.
And the Terrapins will be getting themselves a versatile player.
“Maryland did not recruit me as a faceoff specialist even though I face off for Ridgefield,” the 5-foot-10, 188-pound Bonaparte said. “I am an all-around midfielder that just happens to face off.”
Now, here’s more from Will on his commitment.
What were the main factors in your decision?
I chose Maryland because I wanted to balance great academic opportunities with great lacrosse. Maryland had both of those for me and Coach (John) Tillman and his staff made me feel like a part of the team instantly. I look forward to experiencing the great tradition of Maryland lacrosse.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
I visited North Carolina, Navy and a few others. I also considered Syracuse and Hopkins, but Maryland was the best fit for me.
What would you describe as your other main strengths on the field?
I am a versatile midfielder and a physical player. My main strengths are my speed and athleticism. I can also shoot the ball well and I pride myself on my defense.
Who have been some of the biggest influences on you during your development as a player?
My greatest influence as a player has come from my coach (at Ridgefield), Roy Colsey. I share Coach Colsey’s passion for winning and I am lucky to have such an accomplished athlete prepare me for the next level of lacrosse. I am grateful to Coach Colsey for helping me through this recruiting process and I admire him immensely.
* For more info on Will, check out his player profile by clicking here.
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Posted In: Connecticut, fciac, Recruiting Rundown
Wished Colsey chose JJ when Savs left. Can’t imagine what he could have done there.
Not to diminish the Colsey-impact, but it isn’t like he stepped into a turn-around kind of situation. Seems to have been a virtuous circle for sure, but the people that came before him at the youth level laid the foundation.
Impressive! Way to go Will!!
Excellent 2 way middie. Nice recruit for Maryland.
Nice job Will! Good luck at Maryland and the next two years with the Tigers!
Congrats to a terrific young man — obviously a very special lax talent on the field but, as importantly, a real gentleman off the field! So well desevered and such a great DI match for both Will and the Terps!!!
But before we get too far ahead of ouselves, Ridgefield has Will and other very talented teammates to drive more RHS lacrosse success over the next couple of seasons – can’t wait!!!
[…] A versatile two-way midfielder with good athleticism and speed, Bonaparte has committed to the University of Maryland. […]
[…] A versatile two-way midfielder with good athleticism and speed, the junior has committed to the University of Maryland. […]