The man that has become synonymous with UChicago soccer for the last four seasons has sadly finished his time as the starting goalkeeper. Hill Bonin, a four-year starter, has had as successful a career as any UChicago student-athlete. Walking by the wall of records in Ratner, all of the goalkeeping records are held by one man: Hill Bonin. Even now, he has hardly had a chance to reflect on his storied career, since he is “so busy trying to find professional opportunities,” as he put it. However, when given the opportunity to reflect on his career, Bonin is proud of what the team accomplished as a whole rather than his individual accolades. “When my class came to the soccer program we were an irrelevant, .500 record team and now we are a national powerhouse. We set out a goal to be the best in the country and we achieved that.” The proudest aspect of Bonin’s career is that the team was able to channel its ambition to be the best, and actually achieve its goals instead of leaving them unfinished. 

While talking to Hill’s teammates, the main characteristics that came up were his passion for the game and his ability to lead the team, while being an amazing teammate. Nicco Capotosto, a third-year midfielder, calls Bonin “one of the most passionate guys I’ve ever played with” and “a great teammate who lives and breathes soccer.” First-year Carter Romero agreed with Capotosto wholeheartedly, stating that Bonin “was a great teammate, who brought energy to every practice and always worked hard to do his job.” This passion and drive was evident throughout Bonin’s last season, especially when faced with adversity. Near the end of the regular season, Hill suffered a potentially devastating injury with a high ankle sprain. However, instead of resigning to his fate and ending a storied career, Bonin fought through the pain and worked his way back to play in the Maroons’ Final Four run in North Carolina. While it was not the fairy-tale ending, the sheer desire to come back and play emphasizes the type of player and person that Bonin is. 

Bonin’s career did not end in heartbreak in North Carolina, as he is currently attempting to make it as a professional in Sweden. Capotosto and his teammates were not surprised by this opportunity: “We were never really doubtful he’d get the chance to play pro and we’re all pulling for him to do what he usually does and succeed.” Initially the adjustment to Sweden was a difficult one for Bonin, as it is for any soccer players going abroad. Bonin said, “It has been a hell of an adjustment. Coaches don’t care where you came from or how you got where you are now, it’s just a question of how well you can do the job. That has been a big adjustment after being told how great our school is for four years. It was weird at first but now I like it—I have an opportunity to show people what I can do without any preconceived ideas.” 

Bonin’s desire and optimism has shone through by focusing on the ability to make himself without any prepossessed notions. There was also an adjustment in the style of play between Sweden and the U.S. as well. There is an increased focus on tactical discipline in Sweden instead of the American focus on exciting and forward-thinking play. In fact, Bonin emphasizes that “even the least skilled players surpass many people that I’ve played with from a tactical and formation standpoint” and that it is “an entirely different approach to the game.” Even with all of these adjustments, Bonin is optimistic about the future: “On our off days we train with a nearby team close to the top tier of Swedish football, and I actually feel comfortable with how my skills compare to theirs and it makes me excited about future opportunities.” 

Overall, it is impressive that Bonin is putting himself out there, trying to fulfill his lifelong dream. He states it perfectly, saying, “There’s nothing to do but train very hard every day and hope I get seen by the right person at the right time.” With the right attitude, endless drive, and a deep desire for the game, Bonin has a chance, and that’s all someone can ask for in trying to make it as a pro following the conclusion of his great Maroon career.