STORRS, Conn. - On Wednesday, November 8th, Head Golf Coach, Dave Pezzino, received signed Letters of Intent from Matt Costello of Taunton, MA, and Caden Blanchette of Manchester, PA. Both athletes are current high school seniors who will enroll at UConn in the fall of 2024. 

Coach Dave Pezzino is confident in the success that Costello and Blanchette will see at UConn. 

"Both athletes have a phenomenal work ethic and attention to detail that I believe will serve them both well here at Storrs." 

Costello attends Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth, MA and his home course is Segregansett Country Club in Taunton, MA. Throughout Costello's time in high school, the Bishop Stag's golf team won a Team State Championship in 2021, received Team State Championship Runner-Up twice, and has won four Team South Sectional Championships. He has also remained undefeated in the CCL across his career. 

Outside of high school golf, Costello has had seven top 10 finishes in 2023, including being a Semi-Finalist in the 2023 Massachusetts Junior Championship. 

"Matt has played a very impressive national schedule that has been crucial to his development," said Coach Pezzino, "He currently works with Jeff Smith who has produced several top PGA tour players which I am very excited about." 

Costello has expressed the great deal of impact UConn had on him growing up and now, as an athlete. 

"My dad graduated from UConn, so my family and I spent countless afternoons at Gampel Pavilion watching sporting events. My sister is also enrolled at UConn."

"In elementary school, my dream was to bring a National Championship to the boys basketball team, as I graduate high school my goal is to bring one to the golf team."

Blanchette attends Northeastern High School in Manchester, PA and his home course is Cool Creek Golf Club in Wrightsville, PA. His father, Nathan Blanchette, is both one of his high school golf coaches and the General Manager of Cool Creek Golf Club, as well as a member of the PGA. 

In his high school golf career, Blanchette was a three year Team Captain and a four-year starter on Varsity. He was distinguished as a 2023 YAIAA League Champion and a three-time YAIAA All-Conference player. Additionally, Blanchett was a two-time PIAA PA State Golf Championships qualifier, the first from Northeastern High School in over 30 years.

"Caden has also played an extensive national schedule and has qualified for the Junior Amateur, both achievements will make him a great asset to our team," commented Pezzino. 

Blanchette was a 2023 USGA Jr. Amateur Qualifier and Medalist, shooting 69 (-4) at Chambersburg Country Club. He also was a 2023 Pennsylvania Amateur Qualifier. 

"I am so proud to have become a husky," Blanchette says, "UConn's culture of breeding successful student athletes has always been impressive to me."

"Coach Pezzino and the world class facilities were instrumental in my decision to come to Storrs. I will be pushed to my limits by Coach Pezzino and my teammates. UConn is a highly respected institution that I cannot wait to be affiliated with."