Masuk Free Press

Years of early practices, long games, and extra hours finally paid off for four Masuk seniors on Wednesday afternoon. In front of their families, friends and coaches, Bailey Bajda, Charlotte Pinto, Grace Ely, and Jackson Zylick signed to continue their athletic careers at the Division I level. Signing Day is not just a ceremony, it marks one of the most memorable milestones of their athletic journeys.

For Bailey Bajda, who will play lacrosse at the University of California, Berkeley, the moment felt both exciting and surreal. 

“Signing Day means the official start to a new chapter in my life,” Bajda said. “It’s exciting to confirm my next four years at Cal Berkeley and start imagining my future. Signing the document is something I’ve been looking forward to for over a year, and it’s a relief for it to finally be official.” 

She reflected on the long recruiting process that took her across the country to camps and tournaments. “It was a long and tiring process,” she said. “I was traveling all over and had weeks with no breaks. But it taught me a lot about myself and made me fall even more in love with the sport.”  

Bajda’s coach, Robert Troesser, spoke about her drive and leadership, calling her “an extraordinary athlete who brings joy and determination to everything she does.” He also noted that with 173 goals so far, Bajda is on track to break the school record for most goals in Masuk girls’ lacrosse history.   

Sitting next to Bajda was her teammate Charlotte Pinto who will continue her lacrosse career at Monmouth University. Coach Troesser has known Charlotte since kindergarten and described her as “a rare athlete who competes at the highest level but also makes her teammates better through her calm and supportive nature.”   

A consistent offensive threat for Masuk, Pinto has been one of the team’s leading scorers throughout her career, known for her speed, agility, and ability to create plays and finish under pressure.

He highlighted Pinto’s leadership, noting how she gives back to the Monroe youth lacrosse program by refereeing and volunteering. “She’s been nonstop from the first draw of the game until the final whistle,” he said. “That’s who she is—someone who always pushes herself and those around her.”   

That same drive extends beyond the field. Pinto said one of the biggest challenges throughout high school was learning how to balance the demands of being both a student and an athlete. “It was really about managing my time between school and sports and always staying disciplined,” she said. “I tried to give 110% to both, which wasn’t always easy, but it was a sacrifice I had to make to get where I am today.”

Additionally, Grace Ely will be heading to the University of Delaware to play softball, following a standout run at Masuk that’s made her one of the most respected players in the state. Ely has been a cornerstone of the Panthers’ success over the past three seasons.  

She’s coming off a junior year that included 11 home runs and 41 RBIs, numbers that put her among Connecticut’s top hitters. 

“Grace has become such a role model for our younger players,” said Emily Woznik, Masuk’s new head coach. “Her work ethic and leadership are everything you could ask for in a player. She pushes herself and everyone around her to be better.” 

Joining Ely in signing for Division I play is Jackson Zylick, who will continue his baseball career at College of the Holy Cross. Zylick has been a standout athlete at Masuk, excelling not only in baseball but also in indoor track, soccer, and the football team’s state championship-winning kicker. 

Athletic Director and baseball coach Brian Hourigan praised Zylcik’s dedication and work ethic. “Jackson is one of those kids who’s always working,” Hourigan said. “On a random day in July, you might find him in the weight room training alone.” 

Signing Day wasn’t just a celebration of individual achievement; it was a recognition of years of dedication, hard work and sacrifice. “These athletes can’t do it alone—they have teammates, coaches, families, and friends who helped get them here. It’s a special day for the whole school and community,” said Hourigan. 

A Masuk alumnus who played collegiate baseball himself, Hourigan reflected how special a day like this is. “When I was a student Masuk didn’t have an official Signing Day, so it’s really exceptional for our athletes to be recognized in this way.”

While the day focused on the four signees, three members of the girls’ soccer team—Amelia Stephens, Ella McGee, and Elyse Smith—will hold their signing celebration on November 19, after finishing their state tournament run.   

With the balloons in their school colors behind them and their families and friends cheering, Bajda, Pinto, Ely, and Zylick signed the next chapter of their athletic and academic journeys. Today marked the culmination of years of hard work, but it also signals the beginning of new challenges, new teammates, and new opportunities. Whatever comes next, Masuk’s newest Division I athletes are ready to leave their mark at the next level.