5 Super Athletes With Ties To Tolland

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Tolland 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. Patrick Halgren (Skiing)

Tolland native Patrick Halgren is a Paralympic alpine skier who represented the United States at the 2022 Beijing Paralympics. Known for his competitive spirit, Halgren recorded multiple top-10 finishes in the World Cup. In 2023, he competed in the FIS Para Alpine Skiing World Championships in Espot, Spain, as part of Team USA.

2. Charlotte Pacheco (Gymnastics)

Charlotte Pacheco, a 2024 graduate of Tolland High School, is a standout gymnast who has earned All-State and Academic All-American honors. A consistent competitor, she placed fifth at the State Open and later became the 2024 New England Beam Champion, scoring an impressive 9.825. Pacheco is currently continuing her education at the University of Connecticut.

3. Natalie Lyon (Soccer)

Natalie Lyon is a talented defender who played four years of varsity soccer. She earned numerous accolades during her time at Tolland High School (Class of 2021), including All-State, All-Region and Defensive Player of the Year honors. Lyon was a key part of Tolland’s 2018 state championship team and also played with Connecticut Football Club.

4. Calista Mayer (Cross Country)

Tolland High School alumnae and UConn cross country athlete, Calista Mayer, has established herself as a top collegiate runner. In October 2024, she won the women’s 6,000m individual race at the Bruce Kirsh Cross Country Cup with a time of 22:51.8, leading UConn to a team victory. Mayer has also been recognized as a BIG EAST Female Athlete of the Week.

5. Colby Bornstein (Cross Country)

Colby Bornstein, a 2024 Tolland High School graduate, was a dominant force in cross country and track. The 2023 CIAC Class M State Champion in cross country, he also earned All-State and All-Conference honors. With impressive personal records in multiple events, including a 15:58.7 5K and a 9:16.68 in the 3200m, Bornstein now competes at Mercer University.

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