Katie Cronin '17 stepped into a big role for the Wilbraham & Monson Academy Girls' Soccer team this season.
How did she do? Her usual – great.
In just 15 games, and despite regularly being the focal point of opposing teams' defenses, Katie scored 16 goals for the young Titans. She was named the team's MVP at the Athletic Awards Ceremony Nov. 17.
"Katie Cronin came into the season already having two great seasons for us, playing many different positions," Coach Don Nicholson '79 explained. "This year she really had some tough shoes to fill, obviously, with a team that graduated seven seniors from last year. Katie was a big part of that team a year ago, but losing seven seniors turned us into a young team fast.
"But Katie stepped into the role of being the spearhead for our offensive efforts. Other teams knew that and played her that way, doubling her up often. She carried the burden. She scored some important goals for us and had some multi-goal games for us and did an outstanding job throughout the course of the season with a team that was, at times, struggling to find itself. Katie just persevered through all of it. She scored some big goals, especially toward the end of the season."
Katie has been on Varsity Girls' Soccer for three seasons, but she has been part of the program for many more. Her sister, Carly '13, played on four Class B tournament teams for the Titans.
"I've known Coach Nic since I was 9," Katie said. "I was a ball girl for four years. I've had a connection with the soccer program and Coach Nic for a long time. Before I came here I knew what I was getting into. I just loved the family-type atmosphere.
"I wouldn't be the player I am today without Coach Nic, and my teammates for supporting me and pushing me to be my best every day."
Katie was named to the Women's Western New England Prep School Girls' Soccer Association All-League team. Her team MVP Award comes six months after winning MVP honors for Girls' Lacrosse.
"I had a pretty good year," Katie said. "It was great to see the team really come together at the end of the season and play well."