Eden Prairie senior middie Benner Schleider has committed to play NCAA Division I lacrosse at Fairfield University.

Schleider said he picked Fairfield over a long list of candidates that included Towson, Lehigh, Sacred Heart, Gettysburg, Mount St. Mary’s and Bellarmine.

“When I took my official visit, I really thought it felt right,” Schleider said. “I liked the coaching staff, and the team was really fun. They were a great group of guys. I really liked the campus and the location too. I also liked the academics. It had a lot to offer.”

Schleider, who will be joining his good friend, Wayzata senior middie Kevin Knight, said he is amped about his impending move East.

“I’m really excited,” Schleider said. “I really like playing out East and seeing how I match up with the players on the East Coast. The Minnesota Elite Team, we’ve been out on the East Coast quite a few times, and I think we’ve done well.”