MONROE, Conn. — Standout Masuk student-athletes are getting ready for their next chapters. Some of the school’s top athletes signed National Letters of Intent to continue their playing careers at the collegiate level next fall.
The school library was the site for a signing day in mid November with a follow-up day for soccer players due to a conflict with their State Championship game.
The following Panthers signed to play in college next year:
Lacrosse players Bailey Bajda (University of California Berkeley) and Charlotte Pinto (Monmouth), softball player Grace Ely (Delaware), baseball player Jackson Zylick (Holy Cross) and soccer players Elyse Smith (University of Bridgeport), Amelia Stephens (William & Mary) and Ella McGee (Northeastern).
Athletic Director Brian Hourigan and coaches offered kind words detailing the dedication and success of each of these athletes.
“Signing today represents more than a commitment to college athletics — it’s a reflection of years of effort, resilience, and growth, both on and off the field,” Hourigan said.
“This moment also shines a light on the people who have supported you along the way — your families, coaches, teammates, and the entire Masuk community,” the AD added.
Hourigan coaches the baseball team and has gotten to know Zylick. A three-sport standout, also competing in track and football before switching to soccer, Zylick is on his way to becoming a rare 1200 point award winner, achieved only by student-athletes who play a varsity sport in all 12 seasons.
“He is lighting-fast, incredibly strong, has a beautiful left-handed swing and can make great plays in the field,” Hourigan said.
Lacrosse Coach Rob Troesser reflected on having to coach against Monroe’s lacrosse players back when they competed in youth lacrosse and he coached in the Newtown program.
Masuk will still get to enjoy the performances of the lacrosse players this spring and Bajda, with 173 goals scored through her first three seasons, is well on her way to setting the school record, Troesser said.
“She is always looking to keep her elite-level abilities sharp,” Troesser said of Bajda, also a three-sport athlete who plays volleyball and is a standout on the basketball court.
Troesser added that Pinto may be an intimidating player on the field, but she also possesses a cool, calm nature on the sidelines and in team huddles during critical situations.
Leigh Barone, who coached Ely before stepping down after last season, submitted a statement Hourigan read aloud to parents and students. Recently-appointed Coach Emily Woznick also spoke about Ely’s contributions.
Ely is a player who leads by example with impressive stats and ability to perform in the clutch.
“What the stats don’t show is the incredible leader she is,” Woznick said. “Grace leads by example. She’s kind. She’s dependable. She makes everyone around her better — not by being the loudest voice in the room, but by setting the tone through her work ethic, humility and grace. No pun intended.”
Masuk’s three soccer players go out on top having captured the program’s first state championship under the direction of Coach Katy Kreiner, who will miss their on-field talent and leadership.
McGee was an offensive powerhouse, who led the team in scoring each of the past two years.
“Her speed and technical ability on the wings make her a threat against any team,” Kreiner said.
Voted the number one player in the South-West Conference, McGee earned several SWC and state accolades, including being selected to the Senior Bowl.
Stephens is described by her coach as dynamic and incredibly versatile. “Her technical skills create a challenge for all opponents,” Kreiner said. “Fast, scrappy and dangerous in the air.”
A center attacking midfielder, Stephens created offensive chances and tied McGee for most assists this season. She also slotted into the center back position and shut down opponents.
Stephens also took home SWC and state honors, including a Senior Bowl selection.
Smith provided speed and accuracy from outside back/wing back and netted the game-winning goal in the state title contest.
“Her patience as a defender and ability to read the opposing wingers was incredible this season. One of the main reasons we gave up so few goals this season,” her coach said. “Her tenacity and defensive skills were a huge part in this team’s success.”
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