5 Super Athletes With Ties To Hillsborough

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Hillsborough 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. Jessica Galli (Wheelchair Racing)

A decorated Paralympian, Jessica Galli has represented the United States in wheelchair racing at the 2000, 2004, and 2008 Paralympic Games, earning a total of seven medals, including a gold in 2008. She set a world record in the T53 400-meter race in 2007 and was named the United States Olympic Committee's Paralympian of the Year that same year. Raised in Hillsborough Township, Galli began her journey in adaptive sports with the Children's Lightning Wheels PSC after a car accident left her paraplegic at 7 years old.

2. Jocelyn Moore (Gymnastics)

Jocelyn Moore has excelled in gymnastics, achieving remarkable milestones throughout her career, including two perfect 10.000 scores on floor and vault and earning multiple WCGA All-American honors. A standout competitor, she has been named SEC Event Specialist of the Year and is a three-time All-SEC Team member. Raised in Hillsborough, Moore began her gymnastics journey at Paramount Gymnastics, where she quickly progressed through the levels and made her mark in state and regional championships. She is currently a gymnast at the University of Missouri.

3. Shaun O’Hara (Football)

Shaun O’Hara, a standout center in the NFL, played 11 seasons, primarily with the New York Giants, earning three Pro Bowl selections and helping the team secure victory in Super Bowl XLII. A Hillsborough High School graduate, O’Hara’s football journey began in Hillsborough Township before he walked on to play for Rutgers University. Off the field, he has been recognized for his leadership and community contributions, including being named Giants Man of the Year and founding the Shaun O’Hara Foundation to support education on life-threatening diseases. He is currently an analyst for the NFL Network.

4. Yannick Smith (Soccer)

Yannick Smith, a skilled forward, began his soccer journey at Hillsborough High School. He continued his career at Old Dominion University, excelling over four seasons before gaining experience with the Virginia Beach Piranhas in the USL Premier Development League. After being drafted by the Houston Dynamo in the 2013 MLS Supplemental Draft, Smith played professionally for Finnish club Närpes Kraft and later the Dayton Dutch Lions in the USL Pro league.

5. Shawn Mayer (Football)

Shawn Mayer, a former NFL defensive back, played for the New England Patriots, including contributing a key tackle in their Super Bowl XXXVIII victory. A standout at Hillsborough High School, Mayer earned All-American honors and excelled in track and field. At Penn State University, he started 23 games, amassing 252 tackles and five interceptions. Mayer’s professional career included a record-setting stint in NFL Europe with the Hamburg Sea Devils, earning All-NFL Europe honors. He remains connected to the sport as a player development coach at Rutgers University.

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