Sam DiBitetto ’18, back row, second player from the left, with his teammates and coaching staff (Photo: Norwich University)
DiBitetto in action at Norwich (Photo provided)
Sam DiBitetto ‘18 graduated from Northwood School in 2018. The true freshman from Rochester, NY decided to forgo junior hockey and matriculate at Norwich University, a perennial Division III power. Senior Fin Ulrick, a teammate of Sam’s last year, caught up with Sam to talk about his transition to college and college hockey.
Sam was the captain of the junior team during his last year at Northwood. If you attended Northwood last year, they will say that Sam loved Northwood more than anyone. He influenced many others around him to be the best they can be and to enjoy every day we have together. He now plays NCAA Division III hockey at Norwich.
Ulrik: How does the level of hockey compare to Northwood?
Dibitetto: The Level of hockey is a big adjustment, especially since I didn’t play juniors. Everything is faster and I am playing against players that are bigger and stronger than the prep school level.
What is the difference in difficulty and workload of your academics?
Northwood helped prepare me, especially with study hall. School is much harder in college, and each subject needs to be looked at more carefully and in depth.
What do you enjoy the most about college, compared to prep school?
I enjoy the freedom much more. At Northwood, on the weekends there would be 9:30 check-in; here we have more time to hang out and relax.
What do you miss most about Northwood?
My friends. It was tough to adjust to in the beginning. Northwood was my life, and I was very proud to come from a school like that. But I miss my friends from the Junior Team and also the coaching staff, as well as the everyday lifestyle and the environment surrounding the school.
How did Northwood help prepare you for college?
Like I said before, study hall helped me dedicate myself to my school work. You don’t have much time throughout the day, especially with playing a sport. Northwood helped me prepare for this by helping me understand I needed to get my work done and take advantage of the time we do have in the day.
