Firecracker, Butler decides on top ranked program in Division III

Bangor native pledges her commitment to Tufts University

Katie Butler has made it official, by pledging to attend Tufts University in the fall of 2017. Butler, a Bangor High product, chose Tufts after considering interest from all three levels (Division I, II, and III).

“Katie is a selfless, committed, player that is loved by her teammates,” said Firecrackers coach Don Briggs. “An outstanding student that will finish high school with 14 advanced placement classes, Katie had a lot of college options. I love what Katie, her sister Mary, and parents Paul and Angie have meant to the Firecracker program.”

After posting a 28-win season, and reaching the NCAA Division III title game in 2016, Tufts has earned the No. 1 spot in the national rankings heading into this season.

The Jumbos have made five consecutive appearances in the NCAA Tournament, while reaching at least the third round of the 64-team tournament each season. The squad has advanced to the Final Four in each of the last three seasons. The Jumbos fell short, 63-51, against Thomas More in the 2016 championship game.

The 2015-16 version of the Jumbos boasted a sensational 28-4 record, including a perfect 10-0 mark in NESCAC play. The squad recorded an 18-game winning streak, ranging from Dec. 29 – Feb. 27.

The team excelled in the spotlight, as it won five straight NCAA Tournament games, with four of them being double-digit victories. The squad also earned the top-seed in the NESCAC Tournament, as it won a pair of games before losing to second-seeded Amherst, 50-49, in the finals.