On Nov. 10, five seniors signed their National Letters of Intent to continue their athletic careers into college. Jess Tosone, Caroline Whelan, Kate Devlin, Lauren Wong and Nolen Beauregard gathered in the gym with friends and family to officially start this next chapter of their lives. 

Jess Tosone committed to play Division I lacrosse at Bryant University this past summer. Tosone has played on the varsity lacrosse team since her freshman year. She chose Bryant because of the school’s size, location, school spirit and business program. Being close to home also means her parents can come to many games, which means a lot to her.

“I’m most excited about making new friends and meeting everyone on the team,” Tosone said. “I am looking forward to playing lacrosse at a higher level and getting to see some great competition.”

Caroline Whelan committed to play Division I lacrosse at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in September of her junior year. Whelan has also played on Walpole’s varsity lacrosse team since her freshman year. She chose UMass Amherst because of the school’s size and the variety of activities they offer. Whelan looks forward to having one last season at Walpole and continuing her academic and athletic career at UMass.

“The team and coaching staff at UMass seems like a perfect fit for me and I can really see myself playing there,” Whelan said. “I am so excited to meet new people and play with my new teammates!”

Kate Devlin committed to play Division III hockey at New England College on Oct. 27. Devlin has been a part of Walpole’s varsity girls hockey team since she was a freshman. She chose NEC because she loved the small and close-knit community the school offers. 

“I am so excited to continue playing hockey at NEC next year,” Devlin said. “I can’t wait to play at a competitive level and with girls from all over.”

Lauren Wong committed to play Division III lacrosse at Bates College this past summer. Wong has been playing at the varsity level since she was a freshman, when she would get pulled up into varsity games from the junior varsity team. Bates is in the New England Small College Athletic Conference, the highest and most competitive conference in Division III, and she will play against other NESCAC schools like Williams, Tufts and Wesleyan.

“I’ve always wanted to play D3 because it’s the perfect balance between sports and academics,” Wong said. “I am also excited to make friends within the team and play the sport I love while getting a great education at the same time.”

Nolen Beauregard committed to play Division III lacrosse at the University of Massachusetts Boston on Oct. 10. He has also been on Walpole’s varsity team all throughout high school. Beauregard looks forward to one more season with Walpole before he continues his lacrosse career as a UMass Boston Beacon.

“I chose UMass because I love the lacrosse program there and they have a strong exercise science major,” Beauregard said. “I am most excited to play with the team and get a chance to live on my own.”

Unlike the rest of the senior class, these five athletes do not have to stress about applying to dozens of colleges and worrying where they will end up. Committing to college is a huge step in one’s academic and athletic career, and they will remember this day forever. Special thanks to Athletic Director Ron Dowd for organizing the event and honoring these senior athletes. Congratulations and best of luck in the future!