On Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020, Upper Dublin seniors Dayna Balasa & Jess Polin were recognized for committing to play basketball at the collegiate level.
Dayna Balasa – University of the Sciences (Basketball)
Major: Physical Therapy
Reasons for choosing USciences: “Had my major, loved the coach and the team.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in basketball at the collegiate level? “I grew up watching/playing basketball and love the sport, so I decided to continue playing. I’ve wanted to play in college since elementary school. I started the recruiting process junior year because the coach contacted me.”
Coach Morgan Funsten says: “With the exception of maybe the first two games of her freshman year, she’s started every game for us for four years. She and Jess were both starters on the state championship team as freshmen. Neither one of them are big rah rah people, but they have the leadership by example. They’re at everything, they work hard, they work hard preparing for games, which is something we value. Dayna set the record for most 3-pointers and has over 200 3-pointers going into her senior year. It’s not just the little things they’re great at. They put up some pretty impressive statistics in three years of high school basketball.”
About Dayna:
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite movie: Remember the Titans
Favorite music: Country music
Jessica Polin – East Stroudsburg University (Basketball)
Major: Business
Reasons for choosing East Stroudsburg: “I loved the campus, the coaches and the team.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in basketball at the collegiate level? “I love playing basketball and being a part of 
a team. I started thinking about playing in college freshman year of high school. The recruiting process started freshman year.”
Coach Morgan Funsten: “Jess was our starting guard from the first day she stepped into the program, and she made such a huge impact on our team immediately. She does so many of the little things well. She understands the game as well as any athlete I’ve coached. She shared point guard responsibilities her freshman year but since then has really taken on and become a true point guard. She set the school record in assists in three years. I think she found a good fit in East Stroudsburg. They’re going to be getting a basketball player with a high ceiling and a high IQ, and those are two very big pluses in terms of what they’re getting.”
About Jess:
Favorite food: Wings & Pizza
Favorite TV show: The Office
Favorite music: All music
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