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There wasn’t one specific thing that got Tuck Gilbane to start reconsidering his verbal commitment to Virginia and start considering what life would be like at Princeton.
The Tigers’ allure as an entire program and school speaks for itself. For Gilbane, it was more of a question of re-assessing where he could best succeed both on and off the field.
“Virginia was great to me, but over the last year, things change and people change and that’s just what happens,” the five-star Laxachusetts 2026 attackman said. “That’s the nature of it. When this opportunity was presented to me late, Princeton showed real interest in me and made me consider it more. It just seemed like a hard offer to pass up.”
Tigers Get a ‘Dawg
Gilbane flipped his commitment from the Cavaliers to the Tigers, becoming Princeton’s second five-star commitment in the senior class. He’s the second five-star former UVA verbal to switch his commitment in October, joining St. Anthony’s (N.Y.) and Long Island Express LSM Ethan Bramoff (Maryland). He joins a talented Princeton 2026 class that includes fellow NLF standout in Prime Time four-star goalie Blake O’Callaghan (John Jay, N.Y.).
“I wanted a place where I felt super comfortable and I felt that the Princeton coaches and team did a great job of reaching out,” Gilbane said. “They made it feel like it would be a super-easy transition for me. Princeton’s academics also set it apart. I’ll be able to learn a lot and push myself in the classroom, but it’s also even bigger for the alumni network and the opportunities that it offers after college.”
A Perfect Fit in the Princeton Offense
Gilbane posted a 70-goal, 91-point campaign as a junior at Noble & Greenough. He’s a crafty attackman who can beat defenses as both a scorer and a feeder. He’s skilled enough with his off-hand to have played lefty attack as a righty as a freshman, when he posted 90 points on a high-flying ‘Dawgs offense. Gilbane’s IQ, two-handedness and versatility should allow him to seamlessly slot in to a Tigers offense that appeals to a lot of high-level prospects.
“My high school offense is sort of similar to what Princeton runs and I’m excited to play in the positionless style of offense, which is more principles-based,” Gilbane said. “It plays well into my strengths and, from what I’ve seen, is a fun, high-paced offense. (Princeton offensive coordinator) Coach (Jim) Mitchell does a great job, so I’m excited to work with him.”
The Tigers have a lot going for them to welcome Gilbane. They’re fresh off of Final Four run, and there are also a number of former Laxachusetts and Nobles standouts on the roster. A number of Gilbane’s relatives have also attended Princeton, which also helped open his eyes to what the school offers.
“Princeton just felt like a little more like home for me,” Gilbane said. “The combination that everything Princeton has is hard to beat.”