5 Super Athletes With Ties To Bedford

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Bedford 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. Chris Carlson (Rowing)

Bedford native Chris Carlson has established himself as a premier rower on the global stage. After rowing for Marist and the University of Washington, Carlson earned the 2018 PAC-12 Conference Newcomer of the Year title. A six-time national team member, he represented the U.S. in the men’s eight at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he earned a bronze medal. Carlson has also achieved top finishes at the World Rowing Championships and Under-23 Championships, consistently showcasing his dedication to the sport.

2. Kate Allard (Basketball)

Kate Allard, a rising star in basketball at Bedford High School, recently committed to Boston University for the Class of 2029. Allard captained her team to a Division I state championship and a perfect 24-0 record. A three-time all-state honoree and elite shot-blocker, she’s also competed at prestigious camps such as the NCAA College Basketball Academy and Bluestar 30. Off the court, Allard is a National Honor Society member and New Hampshire Scholar focused on STEM studies.

3. Grant Lavigne (Baseball)

Grant Lavigne of Bedford began his professional baseball career when the Colorado Rockies drafted him in 2018. Lavigne played in various minor league teams, including the Hartford Yard Goats and Albuquerque Isotopes, and was invited to Rockies spring training multiple times. Known for his talent as a first baseman, Lavigne is currently a free agent.

4. Gabby DeAngelis (Cross Country)

Bedford native and University of New Hampshire graduate student Gabby DeAngelis excels in both athletics and academics. Competing in women’s cross country, she was named to the America East All-Academic Team with a 3.88 GPA as a Civil Engineering major. The America East Conference supports its student-athletes by promoting academic achievement, leadership and athletic excellence, providing a platform for collegiate and life success.

5. James Durrell (Basketball)

Bedford's own James Durrell left his mark as a Colby-Sawyer College basketball standout. Durrell was the first men’s player to score 1,000 points and still holds school records for three-pointers (308) and single-game points (51). He earned numerous titles during his tenure, including NCAA Free Throw Percentage Champion and Colby-Sawyer Male Athlete of the Year. As of the time of publication, Durrell works at Fidelity Investments and coaches girls' lacrosse at Nashua High School South.

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