Soccer (Princeton / Minnesota United FC)
When Sam Vigilante (Class of 2018) arrived at Peabody in sixth grade, he was nervous about being the new kid in middle school. He quickly discovered, however, that it was easy to find his place. “I was really surprised at how quickly I was taken in by the grade and made friends,” he says. “Everyone wanted to give it their best,” Sam recalls.
The same camaraderie extended beyond the classroom, especially on the athletic fields and courts. “Knowing everyone in the building in middle school was so fun, because we all played soccer or basketball together every morning at arrival, and everyday at recess. So then to get to play together on the same teams was just the best. It was a bonding experience,” he recalls.
After Peabody, at Western Albemarle High School, he helped lead the school’s soccer team to a Virginia state championship and was named 2022 Virginia State Player of the Year, as well as Regional and District Player of the Year. With Skyline Elite, he captained teams to two USYS Virginia state championships.
He continued his soccer career at Princeton University as a midfielder, where he admits that he initially experienced some “imposter syndrome” among teammates who had spent years playing at elite academy levels. But once again, Sam found that the power of a close-knit group made all the difference. “It was a great team experience, with great mentorship,” he says. Over four seasons, he appeared in 56 games, and became a regular contributor to the Tigers’ success.
His 2025 senior season was particularly memorable. Named First Team All-Ivy, Sam started all 17 games and scored three goals with two assists, including game-winning goals in both of Princeton’s championship matches. Princeton went 7–0 in Ivy League play without allowing a single goal, reached the highest ranking in program history at No. 3, and won its second consecutive Ivy League Tournament championship.
As the season unfolded, the possibility of playing professionally began to feel real. Immediately after taking his final exams in December 2025, Sam learned that Minnesota United FC wanted to bring him onboard. He quickly found an agent, worked out a contract, signed, and headed to Minnesota this January. Now, training occupies much of his day, but without classes and homework, Sam is adjusting to a new kind of schedule. On the field, he has loved sharing a training facility with a diverse group of athletes and learning from players with international experience.
Sam never expected soccer to take him this far. His advice to young athletes is rooted in the philosophy that guided his own journey: work hard, enjoy the game, and don’t let frustration take away the fun. “People trying to be a pro can burn out really quickly because it’s something they feel like they have to do,” he says. “You have to keep it fun.”
And his advice for current Peabody students? “Enjoy Peabody while you can! It’s a special place.”