Athlete Spotlight: Cassidy Budge

On Saturday, January 27th, Mines Women’s Basketball defeated Adams State 89-66, with junior Cassidy Budge becoming the 11th player in program history to score over 30 points in a game. 27 of Budge’s 31 points came from three pointers. This broke the program record of most 3-pointers in a game (previously 8), and is the most 3-pointers in a single game by an RMAC player in over 8 years. Following the incredible performance, Budge was named RMAC Offensive Player of the Week.

Grade: Junior
Hometown: Falcon, Colorado
Major: Environmental Engineering
Position: Shooting Guard

What made you choose Mines?
Budge came here on her official visit for basketball and then “absolutely fell in love with the place.” She shared, “I knew engineering would be a great career path and I loved the people I met, including my teammates, to this day.”

What are some challenges being a student athlete?
Budge confided that she struggled at first to balance basketball and academics at a prestigious school. “But,” she said, “being a student athlete has taught me how to manage my time efficiently and stay organized.” Between hours of practice a day and long weekends away at games on top of the classwork, this is no doubt important. “We must be proactive,” Budge commented. “There are times where we know we may be gone for an away game and miss class,” so the team has to plan ahead.

Favorite part of basketball:
While there are lots of fun aspects to being a student athlete, Budge shared that her favorite part of it all is “being a part of such an amazing team.” She commented, “we are a family that goes through so much together and we always have each other’s backs.” On the court and off the court the camaraderie between Budge and her teammates is important when faced with such a competitive conference. Despite this challenge, Budge shared confidently, “I know I can count on all of them.”

Hobbies beside athletics:
“I love to go fly fishing, hiking, or really anything outdoors,” Budge shared. She also commented that whenever she is home near Colorado Springs, she will hike up the Incline a time or two with her dad. It probably helps with the endurance on the court!

The Orediggers will continue in regular season until Feb. 24, but the Orediggers’ last home game this season is Saturday, Feb. 17 at 5 PM in Lockridge Arena. Come watch Budge and the rest of the team defeat New Mexico Highlands!