When Samantha Bono, a senior at Oxford High School, was selected to play on the varsity soccer team as a freshman, it was obvious she had a promising future.
Four years later, Bono is itching to begin her soccer and academic career at Oakland University in Rochester this fall.
The 19-year-old was one of eight recruited earlier this month to play for the Golden Grizzlies women’s soccer team.
Bono was able to spend a day with the girls on the university’s roster and said that they were ‘really welcoming? to her.
She’s especially excited to hit the field under the coaching experience of Nick O’Shea, whom she’s trained with before.
‘I’ve heard from everyone that he is like the best coach you can get,? she said.
Because Bono has been playing soccer for 12 years, it’s no wonder she’s lettered in each of her first three seasons at OHS and was the top scorer in Oakland County last year with 23 points and two assists.
She’s also received an honorable mention all-state pick for last season, was named first team all-league and all-district at the start of her varsity career.
Soccer seems to be her passion.
‘I just love everything about it,? she said.
Bono’s soccer coach, John Thaler, said he wasn’t surprised OU would jump at the chance to recruit his former player.
‘Sam has always been a great motivator. She always wants what’s best for the team,? he said.
At Oakland, Thaler said Bono will not only learn from the great coaching staff, but also help their squad ‘tremendously.?
‘A coach rarely gets a high-caliber player like Sam,? he said. ‘She is definitely one in a million.?
When Bono’s not scoring goals for the Golden Grizzlies, she will be working hard at the school’s pre-dental program.
Although she’s not planning on becoming the next Brandi Chastain, Bono said she hopes to play and coach soccer long after college.