Green Wave Pride: 5 Unforgettable Athletes From New Milford High School

Sports run deep in New Milford, and New Milford High School has long been at the heart of it. It’s no surprise some standout talent once wore the Green Wave uniform. Today we're celebrating five unforgettable Athletic Hall of Famers from New Milford High School who made a name for themselves well beyond the hometown field.

1. Julie Reynolds Baldwin - All-Patriots League Honoree

Julie Reynolds Baldwin was a two-sport standout athlete during her time at New Milford High School, as a valuable member of the indoor track team and a dynamic superstar on the soccer team. On the soccer field, Baldwin was showered with accolades over her four years, including four-time First-Team Connecticut South West Conference, two-time All-State, three-time All-Area and much more. On the track, she also received major recognition, being twice named Second-Team Connecticut South West Conference, as well as a two-time team captain. She decided to continue her soccer career at the United States Naval Academy and had an impact instantly. Julie was a two-time Second-Team All-Patriot League honoree. (Sources: Navy Sports, NMHSAFHOF.org)

2. Ken Horne - Record-Breaking Multi-Sport Athlete

Ken Horne was a multi‑talented athlete widely regarded as one of the best basketball players in New Milford High School history. Horne dominated the early 1960s Western Connecticut Conference, leading his team with impressive scoring averages in his junior and senior seasons, once exploding for 34 points against Ridgefield. His athletic prowess extended well beyond basketball. Horne also competed in cross country and track‑and‑field, where he earned a top‑10 finish at the WCC cross country championships, set school records in the high jump and 60‑yard high hurdles, and contributed to a strong state meet performance. (Sources: NMHSAHOF.org)

3. Mia Nahom - Cross-Country & Track Standout

Mia Nahom was a remarkable multi‑sport athlete whose impact on Green Wave athletics spanned soccer, cross country and track & field. She began her career as a freshman standout on the soccer team, where she made a decisive goal in a State Tournament match. She was also an elite cross country runner, finishing among the state elites in conference, state and New England meets. But Nahom truly shone on the track: She captured 21 individual goal medals across various events at different meet levels and propelled her team to a SWC Championship. She continued her athletic excellence post‑high school at the University of Connecticut, setting records in the mile, 5000m and 3000m steeplechase, and later claimed victory in the women’s division of the 2021 New Milford 8‑mile road race. (Sources: UConn Huskies, NMHSAHOF.org)

4. Melquisedec Ortiz - Wrestling Champion

Melquisedec “Mel” Ortiz was a dominant force in Green Wave wrestling during one of the program’s most successful eras. Competing across multiple weight classes during his four seasons, Ortiz compiled a career record of 166‑26 with 88 pins, while being pinned only once in his entire high school career. His contributions helped New Milford achieve a formidable 51‑5 overall record and multiple South‑West Conference and state team championships. Individually, Ortiz captured numerous invitational titles and was named Most Outstanding Wrestler at three straight SWC tournaments. As a junior and senior, he secured state “L” titles and also achieved top finishes at State Open, New England, and national competitions, earning All‑State and All‑American honors. He was also twice voted Green Wave MVP. (Sources: NMHSAOF.org)

5. Suzanne Marsan - Multi-Sport Star

Suzanne Marsan was a true three‑sport standout whose athleticism and competitive fire left a lasting mark on New Milford High School athletics. In field hockey, her relentless hustle and leadership helped propel the Green Wave to a Western Connecticut Conference title and consecutive trips to the state tournament championship match. On the basketball court, Marsan’s relentless hustle returned as a tenacious defender and aggressive rebounder. She also excelled in softball, where she played multiple positions in the infield, the outfield and also batting, earning All-Conference honors as a senior.(Sources: NMHSAHOF.org)

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