On Dec. 7, junior Kate Paris verbally announced her commitment to play Division III lacrosse at Hobart and William Smith Colleges via Instagram.
Kate Paris started her lacrosse career in fifth grade, but she did not originally see a future with it. “I wanted to quit after one season, but my coach convinced me to play one more season because they needed the numbers. That next year I immediately fell in love with it. I have always looked up to my brother who also played,” said Kate Paris. Her older brother, Jack Paris is in his sophomore year at Muhlenberg College playing on the lacrosse team.
William Smith College is located in Geneva, NY, with about 1,800 undergraduate students. The women’s lacrosse team ended the 2025 season with a winning record of 14-5, finishing 9-0 in the Liberty League. Paris said, “I chose William Smith because I always knew I wanted a great balance between academics and athletics. Being Division III for girls, I think I will have an easier time balancing my athletic career with academics and having a social life. I never thought I’d go there because it is so small, but I think that means everyone is much closer to one another.”
Last season for WHS, Paris’s speed and athleticism was valued in the midfield, helping the team bring home their first state championship, while also tallying two goals, two assists, three ground balls and three draw controls. Senior captain and Tufts lacrosse commit Maeve Wojcik said, “I think Kate’s role within the program will continue to grow this season. She is an extremely hard worker and I believe that translates onto the field. I am excited to see how much her hard work and dedication benefits the team this season.”
WHS girls Lacrosse head coach Katie Dasilva agreed with Wojcik, “I’m calling it now, Kate is going to have a breakout season in the spring. After a high school player decides on a college, they’re always less stressed because the weight is off their shoulders. I think combining that with all of the work she’s been putting in during the off season, it’s really going to pay off for her and the whole team in the spring.”
