5 Super Athletes With Ties To Norwich

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Norwich 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. Dominic Leone (Baseball)

A seasoned MLB pitcher, Dominic Leone has played for numerous teams, including the Seattle Mariners, Toronto Blue Jays and San Francisco Giants. Known for his versatility and resilience on the mound, Leone posted standout seasons, such as his career-best 1.51 ERA in 2021 with the Giants. A native of Norwich, Leone honed his skills at Norwich Free Academy (NFA) before making an impact in college baseball at Clemson University. While there, he helped lead the team to the 2010 College World Series. After the 2024 season with the Chicago White Sox, where he served as a relief pitcher, Leone retired from the MLB.

2. Tuzar Skipper (Football)

Tuzar Skipper, a Norwich native and outside linebacker for the Arlington Renegades in the UFL, has built a dynamic football career through determination and talent. A standout at Monroe College and the University of Toledo, Skipper earned All-NFC second-team honors twice and a spot on the All-MAC third team during his collegiate years. His professional journey includes stints with NFL teams like the New York Giants, the Tennessee Titans and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

3. John J. Kelley (Running)

A celebrated long-distance runner, John J. Kelley is best known for his 1957 Boston Marathon victory and a gold medal at the 1959 Pan American Games. Born in Norwich, Kelley began his running career while attending Boston University and went on to compete in the 1956 and 1960 Olympics. He also achieved eight consecutive wins at the Yonkers Marathon, which served as the National Championship during those years. Beyond his racing accomplishments, Kelley contributed to the sport as a coach at Fitch High School, mentoring notable athletes like 1968 Boston Marathon winner Amby Burfoot. A statue in neary Mystic commemorates Kelley’s legacy as a runner and community figure.

4. Kim Farrell (Basketball)

A standout athlete from Norwich, Kim Farrell made her mark in multiple sports before becoming a basketball legend. As a student at NFA, she excelled in basketball, volleyball and softball, earning All-State honors and leading NFA to its first Girls Basketball State Championship in 1996. Farrell's basketball career included a remarkable 1,000-point milestone and holding the school’s 3-point record for nearly two decades. She continued her success at Pace University, where she captained the basketball team, led the Northeast-10 Conference in assists and ranked 15th nationally.

5. Lynn McClean (Basketball/Track & Field)

McLean left an indelible mark on athletics during her time at NFA. As a basketball standout, she became the first 1,000-point scorer in the girls' program, leading her team to four ECC titles and NFA’s first Class LL State Championship, where she was named MVP. Equally impressive in track and field, McLean was a four-year letter winner and an All-New England honoree, dominating events like the javelin and helping NFA maintain an undefeated team record across four seasons. After excelling in both sports, she continued her basketball career at Boston University.

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