GRACE FUJINAGA
COMMITS TO NCAA D1 UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Congratulations to Starz ’19 midfielder Grace Fujinaga for committing to NCAA D1 UPenn. In 2018, the Quakers made it to the Ivy League Championship game and the second round of the NCAA D1 tournament before bowing out to then top ranked Stonybrook. UPenn is currently ranked 11th in the nation.
Grace has been with Starz since her middle school years and is a senior at The Overlake School, playing for Mercer Island High School. With a 3.98 unweighted GPA, Grace is a National Merit Commended Scholar and an Academic All-American. It is no surprise that her work ethic and natural talent will have her competing for one of the top collegiate teams in the country. Grace’s success in the classroom is mirrored on the athletic field. In her junior year, Grace received All-American, All-State and All-Conference status. Fujinaga has also been recognized as an Adrenaline All-American, a Western Winners All-Star, Team Washington member and has made the Under Armour West Regional team twice.
“Coaching Grace over the past six years has been a true privilege. Beyond her ability to adjust in any situation, I have always been impressed by her competitive spirit,” expressed Girls Program Director, Lyndsey Gillis. “She is one of the most coachable and reliable players I’ve ever worked with; constantly looking to strategize and execute and getting the job done in high-pressure situations. In short, she can do it all. Grace is kind, hardworking and a passionate learner; she is someone that I will miss dearly once her senior spring wraps up in a few months. I am so proud of Grace and look forward to following her future success as Quaker!”
“I feel incredibly lucky to have been a part of the Starz community for the last six years,” reflected Grace. “I’m so grateful for my teammates and their huge level of support throughout my time at Starz. I would like to give a huge thanks to Lyndsey Gillis, Ruth Bonner, Stevie McNesby, Mike Pittas and the entire Starz organization for pushing me to be the best I can be on and off the field. Starz has given me the opportunity to play at the next level and helped make my goals a reality. I’m excited to represent Starz at the next level! The last six years have been amazing and I’m looking forward to putting in work for the next four at Penn!”