On behalf of the Northampton High School Athletic Department and our student-athletes and their families, I would like to offer my sincere thanks and appreciation to Smith College President Kathleen McCartney, Director of Athletics and Recreation Kristin Hughes, and Assistant Director Theresa Collins for their support of NHS athletics.
Our 17 spring sports teams are often at the mercy of the weather and are forced to use space creatively: our baseball and softball teams use the NHS gym to regain bat speed and throwing strength, the lacrosse teams practice stick drills in the stadium parking lot, the track teams use the sidewalks of Northampton to time sprints.
Thankfully, Smith College comes to our rescue when the winter just won’t quit. This spring, Smith will host NHS boys’ and girls’ lacrosse practices and games on their turf while the snow melts off our fields; the Smith tennis courts will be the site of all NHS tennis home matches this season as our home site awaits resurfacing this summer; our track teams increase their speed and agility on the indoor track when the elements are too much to brave.
There are truly too many examples of generosity to list but this much is true: NHS could not offer high quality, competitive programs throughout the year without the support of the Smith College community. Thank you! Go Pioneers! And Go Blue Devils!
Kara R. Dupre
Northampton
The author is the director of athletics at Northampton High School.