5 Super Athletes With Ties To East Hampton-Portland

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the East Hampton-Portland area, these values have shaped some truly remarkable athletes from different eras, whose accomplishments continue to inspire.

Patch has teamed up with T-Mobile to spotlight five standout athletes whose achievements have left a lasting mark on our community. While this list is just a snapshot, there are countless others who have helped shape the rich sports culture in our area.

1. Donovan Clingan (Basketball)

A rising star in the basketball world, Donovan Clingan hails from neighboring Bristol and has already made a name for himself on the court. Known for his towering presence and impressive skills, Clingan gained recognition for his potential at the collegiate level, playing for the University of Connecticut Huskies. He has since made his way to the professional level, playing for the Portland Trail Blazers.

2. Will Tye (Football)

Will Tye, a Middlesex County native, carved out a successful career in professional football. He had an impressive run at Middletown High School before continuing into collegiate play at Stony Brook University. Post-college, he made notable contributions as a tight end in the NFL, playing for teams such as the New York Giants and New York Jets.

3. Emilie Hatje (Volleyball)

Emilie Hatje, hailing from neighboring Middlefield, is a rising star in volleyball, She first made her mark as a volleyball player at Coginchaug Regional High School, as well as for local club team New England Shock. Showcasing her talents early on, Hatje carried her skills into collegiate competition, representing the University of Hartford.

4. Mackenzie Pias (Track and Field)

Middlesex County native Mackenzie Pias is a track and field athlete at the University of Connecticut. Pias is a CIAC Scholar-Athlete and earned four varsity letters during her time at Mercy High School in Middletown. She has had an impressive run at UConn, having been a part of championship-winning teams and achieving multiple personal bests.

5. Amari Spievey (Football)

Amari Spievey, born and raised in Middlesex County, has excelled in collegiate and professional football. He first made waves at Xavier High School in Middletown, later going onto have a standout college career at Iowa. Spievey was drafted into the NFL, where he played for the Detroit Lions from 2011-2013. His accomplishments have made him a source of pride for his hometown.