Millington Motivated to Do More

By Victor Fernandez

AUTUMN MILLINGTON ’27 THRIVES in places where “everyone knows everyone.” That was the case growing up in her Rome, N.Y., suburb of Westmoreland, and it’s still the case today in her new Hartwick home.

Family, teammates, teachers and neighbors have always inspired the psychology major and sociology minor to push herself inside and outside the classroom.

“My parents encouraged me to explore a variety of hobbies and sports,” she said. “I began playing ice hockey at age six. Not long after, I added softball.”

She was inspired by her older brother, Austin, who excelled in sports and served as a strong example of the dedication and drive one needs to succeed.

She eventually dropped hockey and added tennis and volleyball in high school. Sports helped Millington find her footing as an emerging leader. That leadership extended off the field as well, as she became class president, earned National Honor Society membership, and played roles in the yearbook, key and podcast clubs.

Millington also valued the importance of giving back to her community. She became involved with Morgan’s Message, an organization which aims to reduce the stigma of mental health in sports and support athletes who struggle with it. It’s a cause close to her heart after witnessing her own grandfather’s mental health challenges.

She also formed a special bond with Anna, a child who came from a rough background and dealt with personal struggles. Anna wound up giving Millington valuable new perspectives she never expected.

“Working with Anna showed me the importance of role models, who are so important for many in this world,” she added. “It was also a great reminder that young people are always watching you, looking for inspiration for their own behavior.”

Millington’s on-field performance earned her conference all-star honors for softball and tennis, defensive player of the year accolades in volleyball — and plenty of interest from collegiate athletics programs.

Yet, it was her self-awareness of how much she valued the relationships she fostered with teachers and classmates that drew her to Hartwick. She saw those same dynamics displayed on Oyaron Hill.

Today, Millington is part of Hartwick’s recently resurrected softball team, which is enjoying its first season of competition since 2006. The first-year utility player got a hit and scored a run in her first collegiate game, quickly proving her value to her team.

“Autumn has established herself as a leader on and off the field,” said Softball Head Coach Brittany Stroop. “She has embraced the challenge of helping to rebuild our program’s foundation. She has taken lessons learned off the field and in the classroom and applied them to how she carries herself today. I have no doubt that she’ll bring those with her as she pursues her career aspirations, too.”

Millington’s goal is to become a clinical psychologist at a cancer research hospital and work in animal-assisted therapy to support families facing challenging times. To further prepare her for this, the HartLand Promise student is continuing her work in mental health advocacy through Hartwick’s chapter of The Hidden Opponent, a global organization that supports and advocates for student-athlete mental health.

“Clinical psychology feels like a job that a lot of people overlook, but it’s a critical need,” Millington noted. “Cancer affects the mind as well as the body. It also impacts entire families, physically and emotionally. If I can help ease their pain or give them strength and direction during those difficult times, I’ll be making a difference.”

Millington’s experiences are helping her prepare for the challenges that await her during her collegiate career and beyond. Reflecting on her journey, she credits sports and her community for shaping her identity.