5 Super Athletes With Ties To Bernardsville-Bedminster

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Bernardsville-Bedminster 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. Grace Christus (Field Hockey)

Grace Christus, a Bernardsville native, showcased her athletic talent as a field hockey player at Duke University from 2010 to 2013. While at Duke, she was a key contributor to her team’s success, leading them to the NCAA Championship Match for the first time since 2005. Christus later moved to New York City to pursue a career in marketing.

2. Carol Stiff (Basketball)

A native of Bernardsville, Carol Stiff has made a lasting impact on women’s sports as a coach and executive. She began her coaching career as head coach for the women’s basketball team at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1985–1988) and served as an assistant coach at Brown University (1988–1989). With over 30 years at ESPN, Stiff now serves as Vice President of Women’s Sports Programming & Acquisitions, where she continues to champion women’s sports on a global stage.

3. Bill Kirchiro (Football)

Bernardsville-born Bill Kirchiro made his mark in football after graduating from Bernards High School. Selected in the seventh round of the 1962 NFL Draft, Kirchiro played one season with the St. Louis Cardinals. Though his professional tenure was brief, his highlights remain a point of pride for Bernardsville residents.

4. Matt Flanagan (Football)

Matt Flanagan, a former NFL tight end from nearby Chester, played college football at Rutgers and Pittsburgh, earning a reputation as a reliable blocker. Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Washington Commanders in 2018, he appeared in three games during his rookie season, making one catch for 14 yards. Flanagan later had brief stints with the Jacksonville Jaguars before retiring from professional football.

5. Corrine Romano (Track and Field)

A standout athlete from Bedminster, Corrine Romano excelled in multiple sports during her time at Bernards High School, including basketball, field hockey and track and field. She went on to continue her track and field career at Dartmouth, where she showed her skills in hammer, discus, shotput and more. Her versatility and commitment have made Romano a role model for young athletes in her hometown.

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