There was standing-room-only in the library of the Community Commons as family, friends, and coaches celebrated the 23 seniors who have committed to continue their athletic careers at the college level. Director of Athletics Josh Balabuch said this is the largest cohort of seniors, over 20% of the class, headed to play college sports since KO began tracking these stats. The sports programs range from DI to DIII.

Balabuch noted that there is increasing uncertainty in college sports, and this year was more challenging to make a roster. “This accomplishment didn’t happen overnight,” said Balabuch. “You’ve been putting in the work, faced setbacks, wins, losses, and tears. Balancing all of that with your academics is not easy.” Addressing the families in attendance, Balabuch said the student-athletes couldn’t have done it without the parents and guardians who added miles to their cars and sacrificed their free time to lift these student-athletes to where they are today.

The following student-athletes have committed to:

Hunter Atanasio, Middlebury College, baseball

D.J. Biggins, Boston College, football

Tyler Brown, Bryant University, track and field

Connor Ellsworth, Curry College, baseball

Taylor Caldwell, Springfield College, soccer

Nicklas Chomko, Central Connecticut State University, football

Connor Ellsworth, Curry College, baseball

Lex Green, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, football

Jason Mathews, Yale University, football

Donovan Lampkin, Case Western Reserve University, football

 Rafael Medina IV, Assumption University, baseball

Justin Morle, Assumption University, football

Will Parkhouse, University of Massachusetts Lowell, baseball

Travis Parsons, University of New Hampshire, football

Austin Perkins, University of Florida, golf

Jackson Poulin, University of Rochester, diving

Katie Reale, Wesleyan University, basketball

Loren Roca, Regis College, soccer

Dalton Smith, Haverford College, lacrosse

Brandon Tavares, Springfield College, soccer

Cameron Thomas, Bucknell University, football

Samit Virmani, Colby College, swimming

Stryckland Whittley-Ligon,  Washington University in St. Louis, basketball

 Kate Dempsey-Weiner, Bates College, field hockey

For a full transcript of the ceremony, including stats and accolades, click here.