Section III Athletes Make College Commitments: Winter 2026 Class

A fresh cohort of exceptional student-athletes from Central New York is preparing to compete at the collegiate level. Athletes from Section III schools have recently finalized their post-secondary commitments, showcasing an impressive array of talent bound for NCAA programs nationwide.

The Syracuse region and surrounding communities continue to produce outstanding athletic prospects. From lacrosse fields to track ovals and swimming pools, these dedicated young competitors have secured their places in college athletics. Their destinations range from NCAA Division I elite institutions to perfectly suited smaller conference programs.

Lacrosse Commitments Lead the Way

Chittenango High School stands out as a lacrosse powerhouse, with athletes committing to prestigious programs including the University of North Carolina, Quinnipiac University, and Binghamton University. Elizabeth Smith's selection by UNC represents a significant achievement - the Tar Heels consistently operate one of the premier women's lacrosse programs in American college athletics.

Connor Bradbury, Emery McCartney, and Allison Mainville represent just a sampling of the Bears athletes advancing to competitive collegiate programs. These Section III graduates will undoubtedly make their presence felt in their respective conference competitions.

New Hartford High School likewise developed exceptional lacrosse prospects, with athletes choosing Quinnipiac, Rochester Institute of Technology, and Marist College. Kaelyn Stone's commitment to Marist positions her in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, a challenging women's lacrosse circuit.

Distance Runners and Versatile Athletes Excel

Altmar-Parish-Williamstown demonstrated remarkable athletic breadth across various disciplines. Ryan Maher will bring his running abilities to the University of Massachusetts, an NCAA Division I institution competing in the Atlantic 10 Conference. This represents a significant accomplishment for any Central New York distance athlete.

Kamryn Barton's commitment to Virginia Tech marks another high-profile Division I selection. The Hokies participate in the Atlantic Coast Conference, recognized as one of the most competitive leagues in collegiate athletics. Kadence Williams selected Quinnipiac for cross country and track competition, reflecting the Bobcats' emerging reputation in endurance sports.

Multiple athletes plan to compete in more than one sport at the college level. Abigail Roth will participate in both field hockey and rowing at Nazareth University. Such versatility remains uncommon in collegiate athletics and demonstrates extraordinary athletic capabilities.

For those who follow NCAA athletics closely, monitoring these emerging talents can provide valuable insights into developing programs. When universities successfully recruit multiple gifted athletes from the same geographical area, it frequently indicates positive program trajectory. These names merit attention as they begin their collegiate careers.