College-bound athlete : jaci budaj

GHS 2021 graduate Jaci Budaj, pictured with parents John and Barb, will play soccer at Sacred Heart University
​
Recent Glastonbury High School graduate Jaci Budaj will be attending Sacred Heart University next fall, continuing her education and playing soccer for the Pioneers.

Budaj just completed four fabulous years at GHS, carving out a legacy of winning. She was a junior on the girls’ soccer team that won the Class LL state championship in 2019, defeating top-seed Southington in the championship game. This past fall, she helped lead the team to an undefeated (13-0) mark, which culminated with a 3-0 victory over South Windsor in the conference championship game. During the conference-clincher, Budaj set up the team’s second goal with a perfectly placed corner kick.

In the winter, she was a captain and defensive specialist on the Guardians basketball team that also captured a conference title.

“I am definitely going to miss the community at GHS,” stated Budaj, who was also part of National Honor Society at the high school, “Every time I stepped on the field or court, I wasn’t just playing for myself or my team because there is a whole community of people supporting you in this town and I think that is why Glastonbury is so special.”   

Outside of school, she expanded her soccer skills at CFC (Connecticut Football Club) in the spring and she will soon be taking those skills to Fairfield, joining a soccer team at Scared Heart that is looking forward to their first full season since 2019. 

“I loved the campus and the welcoming environment,” said Budaj, who will major in Exercise Science on a DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) track, “I just knew it was the perfect fit for me. I am just excited to get another four years doing what I love at the division 1 level.”