Genesee Women's Soccer's starting keeper from this past season, Madison Papaj, has just officially signed with Division II College Roberts Wesleyan. Prior to playing here at GCC, Madison was also the starting goalkeeper at Alfred State in 2018 and graduated from Holley Jr. Sr. High School during June of that year.
During the 2019 season, she had 117 saves, her save percentage was a .860, and she had 9 shut outs. She is ranked #9 in the country for saves and #14 in the country for save percentage. She is also ranked #2 in save percentage in our region. Maddie was awarded NJCAA Goalkeeper of the Week and GCC Athlete of the Week during the week of October 9th. While at Alfred, she started 16 out of the 18 games they played. She had 81 saves, her save percentage was .835, and she had 8 shut outs. Maddie was also awarded First Team All-Conference. As for her GPA, Maddie currently has a 3.89.
Maddie was one of Genesee's captains this past fall. Being that GCC is a two-year school, Head Coach Jeff Reyngoudt has never let a transfer be a captain. But, he and his coaching staff made an exception for her because she is an outstanding leader and carries herself with effortless poise. She is extremely quick, strong, and her decision making is almost always spot on. She punts past half-field, has a strong goal kick, and actually had some of the best foot skills on our team. "Madison took such a huge relief off of our defense. We have never seen her get scored on by a breakaway because of how quick and smart she comes off her line. Although Maddie is only 5'3", she has never let it hinder her ability. She can touch the bar with ease and has an incredible vertical. She plays like a 6-foot keeper" says Jeff. Reyngoudt was very aware of Papaj's abilities as he had trained her a few times while she was still in high school. Jeff has worked with numerous different goalkeepers and he feels that Madison is the most technically-sound keeper he has been able to have play for him.
Not only is Madison a great soccer player but, she is also a great person. With her positive attitude and carefree spirit, she makes for a tremendous teammate. She has taken care of her teammates on and off the field, athletically, academically, and personally. The Athletic Department here at Genesee is so extremely proud of her and she will be greatly missed. We are so excited that she has decided to commit to Roberts Wesleyan College with a $30,000 scholarship.
