ANNAPOLIS, Md. — One of the highest honors among Navy Athletics is the Captain of the Captains Award.
This year's recipient just so happens to be Jackson Bonitz of Shrewsbury, Pa.
Not only is he a Captain in his own right on the men's lacrosse team, but Bonitz is now the sole representative for all 36 sports at the Academy.
"Every year, this is something you are voted on by your peers. All the Captains get together and you can vouch for yourself to be the Captain of the Captains," said Bonitz. "I was lucky enough to be put in a position where people thought I could do it, so it's been great ever since."
Some of his responsibilities include looking out for not only his team but also the rest of the sports teams and their leaders. This means helping to create a conducive environment for other athletes to thrive in and being someone they can lean on.
"There are issues that have to be solved, just being a varsity athlete here at Navy," said Bonitz. "Getting to experience other teams' cultures and creating those bonds with their Captains is something cool I get to do."
Since his time at Navy, Bonitz has become a multi-time All-American on the field. The lessons and experiences he's learned off the field have been positive for his team while playing.
"There is a little more weight on your shoulders as a senior," expressed Bonitz. "All the training we get here is going to help us in life. I just try to give confidence to my other guys and lead well."
Midshipmen head Coach Joe Amplo has seen a steady progression from Bonitz since day one.
"He brings an elite level of competitiveness every single day, and guys can count on him," said Amplo. "Since day one he had made an impression on all of us in every way he sets the standard high with everything he does."