Greensboro, NC - The Greensboro softball program has announced the hiring of
Megan Dray Martin and
Jake Budyka as assistant coaches for the 2025 season.
Dray Martin began her collegiate softball journey at the University of North Carolina, where she played from 2017 to 2020. As a sophomore in 2019, she started all 55 games as a catcher, achieving a .301 batting average with 41 hits, including five home runs, and a .471 slugging percentage. She also demonstrated defensive prowess by recording 307 putouts and catching 12 runners stealing, ranking 10th in UNC's single-season record book. She was also named to the 2nd Team All-ACC for the 2019 season.
In 2020, Dray transferred to the University of Minnesota, where she continued to excel both offensively and defensively. During the 2022 season, she made 51 appearances, starting 49 times—43 at first base and six as catcher. She concluded the season with a .256 batting average, a .519 slugging percentage, and nine home runs.
Dray Martin said of joining head coach Brianna Strickland's coaching staff, "I'm incredibly excited to join the Greensboro softball program and work alongside coach Strickland. Her passion for the game and dedication to the student-athletes is inspiring, and I can't wait to contribute to the team's success."
Budyka, a former multi-sport collegiate athlete, played both football and baseball at Notre Dame College, earning All-MEC Academic Team honors during the 2019-2020 season. After a career-ending injury, he transitioned into coaching, starting as an assistant with the baseball team at Andrew College, where he focused on hitting and catcher instruction. Budyka then contributed to the inaugural baseball season at New College of Florida, assisting with infielders, catchers, and hitters, and helping the team to a 20-26 record in its first season.
With over five years of travel baseball coaching experience at Force Ohio in his hometown of Cleveland, OH, Budyka led catching and hitting clinics while also assisting with strength and conditioning programs.
Budyka said, "I'm thrilled to join the Greensboro College softball coaching staff. After coaching college baseball, I'm eager to bring my experience to the softball program and contribute to the team's success. I'm especially excited to learn and grow under the leadership of coach Bri Strickland, whose passion and expertise inspire me to continue developing as a coach. I look forward to working with the team and making a positive impact on and off the field!"
The Pride begin the 2025 season on February 15th when they travel to play Huntingdon College and Centre College.
