How I Got Here Abby Najdzinowicz ’26

For this year’s team captain, soccer is a kick off the old block.

Words by Kara Pothier

ABBY NAJDZINOWICZ '26

I’ve been playing since I was 3 years old, and I honestly love it so much. Both my parents played — my dad played for TCNJ, and my mom played through high school. They passed their love of the game down to my brother and me.

My parents have been my biggest supporters and have always said, “If you’re not having fun, it’s okay not to do it.” And that support, without too much pressure, allowed me to keep enjoying the sport.

I’m a center midfielder. It’s the position that connects the defensive line to the front line. So I am at midfield, and I take responsibility to move the ball forward or to get the whole team back. I have to listen to the people around me and communicate. It’s kind of like being the heart of the team.

What gives me the most joy is the feeling that I get when I do something good for the team, whether it’s poking the ball out from underneath an opposing player, winning a head ball, or even just cheering my teammates on.

I was named captain for this year, and it is the biggest honor. The legacy and tradition of TCNJ women’s soccer is unmatched. I transferred to TCNJ after my sophomore season. And at my end-of-the-year meeting last year, the coaches said, “It felt like you’ve been here since the beginning.” That was the best compliment I could have ever gotten.

My dad, Jason Najdzinowicz ’96, is part of the TCNJ soccer tradition. He was a four-year starter on the Trenton State men’s team from 1992–95. They made the NCAA Tournament all four years.

I have always had a strong bond with my dad. He was the one who drove me to practices. He’d drive two hours to watch me play. But once I started at TCNJ, that connection grew even stronger.

When I decided to transfer to TCNJ, my dad was very nonchalant, but my mom told me, “He’s over the moon about this. He just doesn’t want to show it.”

Now my brother, Sean ’29, plays for the men’s team. He’s a freshman goalkeeper. So TCNJ soccer is a big family affair for us.

My hope and expectation for this season is to lead the women’s team to a national championship. I feel we have the right team to do it. Our strength is our grit.

Photos: Michelle Gustafson