Bonavita’s No. 1 at W-H
Work ethic sets Panther apart
HANSON — WhitmanHanson senior midfielder Lauren Bonavita recently reached a milestone when she scored her 104th career goal, breaking the school record held by Devin Petta.
While the achievement is certainly a lofty one, longtime Panthers’ girls soccer coach David Floeck says it tells a small part of the story.
“I think what the people don’t see is what she does in the off- season in terms of hard work,” Floeck said. “The accomplishment of breaking the scoring record is a result of the work she’s done in the offseason. She’s improved her body tremendously to become more physical and stronger and it sets her apart from everyone else.
“Her work ethic is second to none.”
Bonavita began playing soccer at an early age.
“I really loved it right away,” Bonavita said. “Even as a child, I was someone who liked being active and soccer was it.”
There were no shortage of soccer role models for Bonavita to emulate growing up in the community. Local high school stars such as Samantha Mewis (UCLA) and her sister Kristie (Boston College) went on to play Division 1 soccer as did Petta (Northeastern). “Watching them play was awesome,” Bonavita said. “Kristie and Sam pursued their dreams and went on to play for the national team. Then to be able to watch Devin Petta was special.”
Bonavita quickly became a key component to the Whitman-Hanson program. In her first three years, the high-scoring midfielder pumped in 70 goals in leading her team to a 60-5-4 record and a pair of sectional titles. Last season, the Panthers advanced to the Division 1 state semifinals before losing to Central Catholic, 2-1, in overtime.
“There’s definitely a big motivation to get back there,” said Bonavita, who has 34 goals in 16 games this season. “The tournament is very intense, there is a lot of energy and everyone steps their game up.”
Bonavita’s ability to step up and produce made her one of the top local recruits. She gave a verbal commitment to UMass, feeling the school was a perfect fit for her.
“I just loved the campus from the first time I was there,” Bonavita said. “It just felt like a family. I loved the community, the coaches and the players.”