Whether it's in the classroom or on the athletic field, Wilbraham & Monson Academy sisters Katie '17 and Carly Cronin '13 share a lot of similarities.
As of three weeks ago, they learned they will share another similarity, too – where they attend college.
Katie verbally committed in early August to play Division I soccer at Bryant University, where Carly is currently a member of the lacrosse team.
"I'm very comfortable at Bryant because my sister plays lacrosse there," said Katie, who received a partial athletic and academic scholarship offer from Bryant. "Academically, they're an amazing school: they're ranked top five in a number of their business programs, and soccer-wise the coaches have been nothing but supportive of me and my family. I can't wait to be a part of it.
"I've been to Bryant so many times to watch Carly's games and visit her on the weekends. I think overall Bryant just became a home to me."
Katie, a high honors students and member of the Teen Board at the Ronald McDonald House in Springfield, also considered Providence College, Marist College, Quinnipiac University, St. Anselm College and Connecticut College. She's the first Bryant recruit from the Class of 2017.
Much like her sister, WMA Girls' Soccer Coach Don Nicholson said Katie can do so many things on the soccer field in so many ways.
"Although she is only entering her junior year, Katie is one of the most complete athletes that I have ever had the pleasure of coaching," Coach Nicholson said. "Her athleticism, field knowledge and overall talent level allow her the unique capability of playing multiple positions on the soccer field. She has the ability to do this even over the course of a single game as she has played forward, midfielder and defender in a single match.
"The most important part of this ability is the fact that Katie thinks of the needs of the team first and is willing to do whatever she needs to do in order to put her teammates in the best possible position for success. Katie's unselfishness, positive attitude, quick smile and sheer athletic talent make her one of the most coachable players I have ever had within our program. I know Katie will continue to be an impact player for the Titans over the next two years and she will certainly be a tremendous addition to the Bryant University soccer program when she moves on to the next level."
Katie helped the Titans reach the final of the New England Class B tournament a year ago and she hopes to do the same in 2015.
"Obviously losing so many seniors, people are going to think it's a rebuilding year so the juniors and seniors really need to pick it up," she said. "But we're going to keep our goals the same and try to make it to the New England championship like last year and we're going to work until we get there."