5 Super Athletes With Ties To Ledyard

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Ledyard 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. Kate Littler (Track)

Kate Littler, a standout track athlete at Ledyard High School, initially considered lacrosse over track but quickly realized her passion for running. A freshman indoor track season turned into a successful career, and Littler went on to dominate both indoor and outdoor events. She won nine ECC titles in track and field and was named the ECC’s Girls' Indoor Track Athlete of the Year in 2024. As a junior, Littler also helped her Ledyard cross-country team win its first ECC championship since 1989. Balancing her athletic achievements with a rigorous academic schedule, she continues to excel in both sports and school, with aspirations to pursue a career in computer or data science.

2. Ron Jirsa (Basketball)

Ledyard native Ron Jirsa is a respected coach with a long career in college basketball. After playing at Ledyard High School, Jirsa continued his education and athletic career at Gettysburg College. He later transitioned to coaching, serving as the head coach at both the University of Georgia and Marshall University. He has also worked as an assistant coach at several universities, including Tulsa and Minnesota, where he honed his skills under legendary coaches like Tubby Smith.

3. Alex Manwaring (Football & Wrestling)

Alex Manwaring has earned a reputation as multi-sport standout at Ledyard High School, earning accolades in football, wrestling and lacrosse. As a football player, he set multiple records, including the single-game rushing mark with 318 yards and surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in just five games. Manwaring was also a standout wrestler, finishing fifth in the State Open and claiming an ECC championship at 145 pounds. Beyond athletics, he was an exceptional student leader, serving as president of the Ledyard Student Congress and participating in various community activities.

4. Scott Chiasson (Baseball)

Scott Chiasson has had a standout career as both a player and coach, including a stint at Ledyard High School. During his time at Eastern Connecticut State University, Chiasson helped lead the team to the 1998 NCAA Division III national championship, earning recognition as the LEC Pitcher of the Year. After being drafted by the Kansas City Royals, he made his MLB debut in 2001 with the Chicago Cubs. In addition to his professional career, Chiasson spent eight seasons coaching baseball at Ledyard High before accepting a job in Montville.

5. Ida Mae Martinez (Wrestling)

Born just down the road from Ledyard in New London, Martinez made her mark as a pioneering figure in women’s professional wrestling during the 1950s. Growing up in nearby North Stonington, she faced significant hardships but persevered to train under renowned promoter Billy Wolfe. In 1952, she earned the title of Champion of Mexico, captivating audiences across North America with her remarkable athleticism and charisma. After retiring from wrestling in 1960, Martinez pursued higher education in nursing, later becoming one of Baltimore’s first nurses to care for AIDS patients, showcasing her resilience and dedication to others both in and out of the ring.

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