Pirates' all-time leading scorer signs with Gyrenes

Caitlyn Benedetto was practically born in the gym.

As the daughter of a high school basketball coach, the Braden River High senior has been dribbling a basketball up and down the court for as long as she can remember. She got her first glimpse of basketball while serving as the water girl for all of her dad’s teams. And then when she was old enough, the Lady Pirates point guard began attending basketball camps of her own.

So it’s no surprise that over the years Benedetto has developed a passion for the game. And now Braden River’s all-time leading scorer is going to be bringing her talents to the next level after signing a national letter-of-intent May 4 to play basketball for Ave Maria University in Naples.

“I (know I) will still be doing something that I love,” Benedetto said. “I can also concentrate on finishing my senior year and having fun while looking forward to the upcoming years instead of worrying about where to go for college.”

Benedetto, who plans to major in either biology or psychology, chose Ave Maria over the University of Tampa and Florida Southern.

“I loved the campus, the people, and especially my basketball coach and teammates,” Benedetto said. “They made me feel like family. I look forward to playing with my new teammates and the challenges that come with playing at a higher speed of basketball.”

In her senior season, Benedetto helped lead the Lady Pirates to 14 wins this season — the most in school history — and a berth in the district semifinals.

Benedetto finished her career at Braden River as the all-time leading scorer for both boys and girls basketball with 1,257 points. She also holds the record for most points in a game with 37.

Benedetto will spend the summer working out before heading down to Naples this fall where she hopes to play a predominant role for the Gyrenes as a freshman.

“My biggest adjustment for playing at the next level is making a year round commitment,” Benedetto said. “(My coach) has explained to me how he wants me to work hard and do my best. I will be getting a work out schedule for the summer and he will evaluate the team in the fall.”

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].