Chancellors Pride: 5 Unforgettable Athletes From Haddam-Killingworth High School

Sports run deep in Haddam, and Haddam-Killingsworth High School has long been at the heart of it. It’s no surprise some standout talent once wore the Cougars uniform. Today we're celebrating five unforgettable athletes from Haddam-Killingworth High School who made a name for themselves well beyond the hometown field.

1. Jeff Bagwell - MLB Hall of Famer

Jeff Bagwell is one of the greatest athletes ever produced in the state of Connecticut. A Hall of Fame first baseman for the Houston Astros, Bagwell was the 1994 National League MVP, NL Rookie of the Year, and a four-time All-Star. Known for his rare combination of power, plate discipline, and speed, he finished his career with over 400 home runs and helped define the Astros franchise. Jeff won several other awards in his MLB career and had his number 5 jersey retired by the Astros. (Sources: MLB, Baseball Hall)

2. Camille Kostek - Former NFL Cheerleader/Actress

Camille Kostek is a standout example of athleticism crossing into national visibility. At HKHS, she was a varsity lacrosse captain and multi-sport athlete before becoming a New England Patriots Cheerleader. Her professional cheerleading career began at age 19 for the Hartford Colonials of the UFL before making it to the Patriots roster her junior year at Eastern Connecticut State University. She later rose to prominence as a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover model and sports media personality. She retired from cheerleading in 2015 after Super Bowl XLIX. (Sources: IMDB, Patriots)

3. Thomas Perry - Collegiate All-American, Football

Thomas Perry is one of the most accomplished football players in HKHS history. A dominant offensive lineman, Thomas Perry went on to play at Middlebury College, where he earned D3football.com All-American honors and was a cornerstone of one of the nation’s top Division III programs. (Sources: Middlebury Athletics, NFL)

4. Leah Pfrommer - Former Collegiate Track Athlete

Leah Pfrommer was a standout distance runner at HKHS before continuing her career at Quinnipiac University. At HKHS, she was a three-time First-Team All-State, All-Conference and the Shoreline League Conference record holder in the 100 and 200 meter dash, as well as the long and triple jump. At Quinnipiac, she continued to shine and contribute to her team, being part of many relays and topping her own career bests. (Source: Go Bobcats)

5. Cole Merriam - Collegiate Soccer Player

Cole Merriam was a standout soccer player at Haddam-Killingworth High School, earning recognition as a team captain and all-conference/all-state level performer during his high school career and leading the team in scoring all four seasons. Known for his leadership, technical ability and consistency on the field, he was able to continue his soccer career at Roger Williams University. (Source: RWU Hawks)

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.