How special is Wilbraham & Monson Academy's Jenny English '17 to the University of Hartford lacrosse program?
Special enough to be the Hawks' third recruit . . . ever.
At the WMA Athletic Center Wednesday, Jenny signed her National Letter of Intent to join the new program, which will open its first season in the spring of 2018.
"I had basketball practice for three hours before my signing," Jenny said. "I had a lot of adrenaline going. When I signed the National Letter of Intent I was so relieved because now I can just focus on school and sports and not worry about the college process.
"It's amazing being the third recruit ever. It was amazing because Coach (Meg) Decker was so excited. Starting a new program is hard, but I feel like me and the group of girls are going to build that program and be successful."
Jenny took a tour of the school and met with the new coach on Sept. 30. Three days later, she verbally committed to the Division I program.
"When I walked on the campus, the diversity of everyone and the community, it seemed welcoming," Jenny explained. "I took a tour and I liked everything the school had to offer. After, I saw Molly Socha '15 and she showed me the locker room and it was amazing.
"Then I talked to Coach Decker and she showed me the academic side of it: the center where we will have study hall. We talked a lot about my positioning and where I would be on the team, and after we talked for about 45 minutes she offered me a spot. Three days later I decided to commit because I could just go there, like here at WMA."
A chance meeting on the Academy's campus late in the summer with Molly, who plays soccer for the Hawks, followed by a lot of guidance by WMA Girls' Basketball Coach Durelle Brown, created a path toward Hartford.
"I couldn't have done it without Mr. Brown," said Jenny, who received a partial scholarship.