5 Super Athletes With Ties To Nashua

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Nashua 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. Paul "Triple H" Levesque (Wrestling)

Paul "Triple H" Levesque, born and raised in Nashua, is a legendary figure in professional wrestling. A 14-time world champion, he gained fame as a cornerstone of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), leading factions like D-Generation X and revolutionizing the sport through his behind-the-scenes roles, including the creation of female wrestling branch NXT. Outside of his wrestling career, Levesque, a 1986 graduate of Nashua High School, has also acted in films. He retired from in-ring competitions in 2022.

2. Kevin McGowan (Baseball)

Kevin McGowan, a Nashua High School North and Franklin Pierce University graduate, turned his high school baseball success into a professional career. Drafted by the New York Mets in 2013, McGowan made his MLB debut in 2017 and went on to play in international and independent leagues. As a former Nashua Telegraph Baseball Player of the Year, McGowan’s journey from Nashua to professional baseball showcases his perseverance and love for the game.

3. Laura Gerraughty (Shot Put)

Laura Gerraughty, a 2001 Nashua High School graduate, is a trailblazer in collegiate shot put history. A 10-time NCAA All-American and 13-time ACC champion for the University of North Carolina (UNC), she holds the NCAA indoor record with a throw of 19.15 meters. A 2004 Olympian, she also won the U.S. National Championships and Olympic Trials that same year. She later went on to serve as the assistant throws coach for UNC.

4. Katelin Guregian (Rowing)

Katelin Guregian (née Snyder) is one of the most accomplished coxswains in rowing history, and she was born right here in Nashua. A five-time world champion and 2016 Olympic gold medalist, she grew up in Florida and led the U.S. Women’s Eight to a world record at the 2013 Rowing World Cup. Guregian’s leadership and precision on the water, honed during her time at the University of Washington and beyond, have made her a standout in the sport.

5. Caitlin Yankowskas (Figure Skating)

Nashua-born Caitlin Yankowskas is a former pair skater who achieved national and international success. With partner John Coughlin, she won the 2011 U.S. National Championship and earned bronze at the 2010 Cup of China. Later skating for the UK with Hamish Gaman, she captured the 2015 British National Championship and a silver medal at the Challenge Cup. Yankowskas’ journey included ballet training with the Methuen Ballet Ensemble in Salem, New Hampshire. She announced her retirement from competitive figure skating in 2015.

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