Panthers Pride: 5 Unforgettable Athletes From E. O. Smith High School

Sports run deep in Mansfield-Storrs, CT, and E. O. Smith High School has long been at the heart of it. It’s no surprise some standout talent once wore the Panthers uniform. Today we're celebrating five unforgettable athletes from E. O. Smith High School who made a name for themselves well beyond the hometown field.

Eleni Benson — Soccer Star & Greek Women’s National Team Olympian

Eleni Benson was a standout soccer defender at E. O. Smith before enrolling at Yale University, where she played for the Bulldogs women’s soccer team. She went on to compete internationally for the Greek women’s national team at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. (Source: Yale Athletics)

Thomas Nevers — NASL & MISL Soccer Player

Thomas Nevers graduated from E. O. Smith in 1974, where he was a four-sport letterman in soccer, baseball, golf and track. He led the school to a 1972 state championship, earning NSCAA High School All-American honors. After high school, he played college soccer for the University of Connecticut Huskies before turning professional in the North American Soccer League (NASL) and Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL), including stints with the Chicago Sting, Memphis Rogues and Hartford Hellions. He is a member of both the E. O. Smith High School Athletic Hall of Fame and the Connecticut Soccer Hall of Fame. (Source: 1970s Soccer)

Lyle Yorks — Major League Soccer Midfielder & Coach/Agent

Mansfield-born Lyle Yorks was a decorated soccer player at E. O. Smith High School and part of state championship teams. He played collegiately at the University of Virginia, winning two NCAA Division I championships, and went on to a professional playing career that included time in Major League Soccer and other leagues. Following his playing career, Yorks worked as a coach and later as a soccer agent and sports executive. (Source: E. O. Smith Foundation)

Hailey Rosa — Standout Rowing Coxswain

Hailey Rosa was a standout athlete at E. O. Smith High School, where she excelled as the captain of the crew (rowing) team, leading the novice eight to a third-place finish at the 2007 New England Championships. Her leadership and coxing skills were a significant highlight of the school’s rowing program during her tenure. (Source: Patch)

Camden Mazerolle — Leading Scorer & Basketball Guard

Camden Mazerolle was the leading scorer for E. O. Smith in its 54–52 victory over RHAM, finishing with 21 points to pace all players in the game. His offensive output anchored the Panthers’ late-game push, complementing Sam Bolduc’s game-winning basket in the closing seconds. Mazerolle’s performance highlights his role as a key contributor to E. O. Smith’s boys basketball program during the 2025–26 season. (Source: GameTimeCT)

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