Wilbraham & Monson Academy has been home to Katie Hutcheson ’26 for her entire life.

While Commencement is still a few months away, Katie has found a new home for the next chapter of her life.

Katie signed to attend and play women’s lacrosse at Hamilton College in New York during a ceremony in the Athletic Center on Feb. 3.

“It’s been a long time, seven years here in school and living here my whole life,” said Katie. “I’m just really excited to go on to college and that I found the place for me. I’m excited, happy and looking forward to it.”

Yes, she’s very much looking forward to Hamilton, a New England Small College Athletic Conference member that competes in one of the top Division III leagues in the nation. The NESCAC landed 11 teams in the NCAA’s final Division III Top 25 poll, with Hamilton sitting at #18.

“It was my head coach, KB,” said Katie, referring to Kaillie Kelly, who played for the Continentals 2006-09 before being hired to lead Hamilton in November of 2024. “When I went on my visit and was on calls with her, I felt like she believed in me. She saw me for the player that I was. She wanted me to play my position as a midfielder, and (she was) so warm and knowledgeable. She drew me in, as well as the team environment. They were close-knit, something that I have loved in high school replicated in college, so that really attracted me.”

Katie has spent her entire middle and high school career as a Titan. Her list of thank you’s during her speech was plentiful, as was her gratitude toward the Academy.

“WMA has taught me the importance of leadership and community,” said Katie, who helped the Titans to an undefeated season in 2025. “My coaches have helped me develop my skills as a lacrosse player, and my time at the school has taught me to be independent and foster community while having fun while doing it all.”