District News

The Somerset Hills School District is proud to announce that Fin Spitaleri has been selected for the United Soccer Coaches High School Scholar All-America Team. This prestigious honor is a result of his cumulative academic achievements, in addition to his sharp skills and play on the soccer field. Having graduated from Bernards High School in June 2024, Spitaleri is set to attend Davidson College in North Carolina this fall, pursuing the study of Economics.

A total of 88 student athletes, 43 boys and 45 girls, were chosen from across the United States for this special distinction. Coach Joe LaSpada shared that Spitaleri is the first soccer athlete from BHS to ever be recognized for the United Soccer Coaches High School Scholar All-America Team.

Spitaleri began kicking a soccer ball at age 2, and joined travel soccer at age 6, which he continued for a decade. As a sophomore, he left travel soccer to dedicate more time and focus to his high school academics and sports. As part of the BHS Varsity Soccer team, he played winger and striker, where he had 45 goals and 21 assists, totaling 111 points. In addition to excelling at soccer, Spitaleri was a contributing member of a conference-winning Varsity Ice Hockey team in 2021 and 2022, a state-winning Varsity Tennis team in 2022, and a division-winning Varsity Golf team in 2023. 

As a senior, Spitaleri was selected as Captain of the BHS Soccer team. He was a leader who consistently led by example, encouraged effort and selflessness, and developed trust amongst players to promote the spirit of  “team” over the individual. Spitaleri said, “I was most proud of my senior season as we had great success winning state sectionals and our difficult conference cleanly, with good sportsmanship and humility. We had only 4 losses, but they all came with dignity.” Spitaleri remarked that Coach LaSpada made it easy for him to improve as a player by continuing to push him to a level of play outside of his comfort zone. “Coach LaSpada’s support and passion for individual players to work together, regardless of skill level, was inspiring,” explained Spitaleri. 

Encouraged by his parents to always put in the effort, Spitaleri shared one of his favorite quotes, “Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard.” And work hard he did. Spitaleri made good marks throughout his high school career, taking many Honors and AP courses, and graduating Summa Cum Laude. Academic recognitions include the AP Scholar with Distinction Award (12), the NJSIAA Scholar Athlete Award, National Honor Society (11, 12), AP Scholar with Honor Award (11), and BHS High Honor Roll (10, 11, 12). He participated in the Bentley Summer Stock Market Challenge, as well as the Adam Smith Division of the NJ State Level 2023 National Economics Challenge. Spitaleri was an active member of the school community and community at large. He took part in the Fellowship of Christian Ministry and volunteered at the local Bernards Youth Soccer Camp. For five years he was a referee through US Soccer Grassroots. He assisted with the Somerset Hills American Association of University Women Book Sale, and tutored a Ukrainian peer for a couple of years through ENGin as she improved her English language skills.

The list could go on and on when it comes to the achievements of Fin Spitaleri, and it most certainly will over the four exciting years of college that lie ahead. This young man’s future is bright. As the Bernards coaching staff shared, “We are sure that Fin's legacy will be an inspiration for student athletes at Bernards High School, for many years to come."