Bulldog Pride: 5 Unforgettable Athletes From Stafford High School

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

1. Mark Dunn – Hall of Fame Track & Field and Gymnastics Coach

Mark Dunn’s decades-long career at Stafford High School has made him a staple of Connecticut high school athletics. Inducted into the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2021, Dunn coached track and field for over 35 years, along with stints in girls cross country, football, and girls gymnastics. His leadership brought home a state championship in girls' cross country in 1997 and two state titles in gymnastics in 1982 and 1984. He also served as athletic director for 17 years, leaving a lasting impact on multiple generations of student-athletes. (Source: Yahoo Sports)

2. Josh Simpson – MLB Pitcher for the Miami Marlins

A Stafford High School graduate, Josh Simpson reached the pinnacle of baseball in 2023 when he was called up to the Miami Marlins. A left-handed reliever, Simpson has battled through injury setbacks, including elbow neuritis in 2024, but continues to be seen as a promising bullpen talent. As of late 2024, he remains on the radar as a potential breakout non-roster invitee for the Marlins’ roster. (Source: Patch.com)

3. Sofia Frassinelli – Dual-Sport All-State Athlete at SCSU

A standout at Stafford High, Sofia Frassinelli earned All-State honors in both field hockey and softball before taking her talents to Southern Connecticut State University. As a freshman in 2024, she started 12 of 15 games for the Owls field hockey team—coached by her mother, Kelley Frassinelli, making her the first female athlete in school history to play for a parent. At Stafford, she was a Scholar-Athlete, a Susan B. Anthony Award recipient, and a Future Business Leaders of America honoree. (Source: SCSUOwls.com)

4. Shirzad Ahmadi – National Wrestling Hall of Fame Inductee

Originally from Iran, Shirzad Ahmadi became a legend in Stafford through a 22-year coaching career in wrestling. A National Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee, Ahmadi is also a 16-time Veterans world champion and an educator dedicated to mentoring student-athletes across levels. His deep impact on Stafford’s wrestling legacy has left a lasting mark on both the mat and the community. (Source: Patch.com)

5. Andrea & Jaelyn Moulton – Collegiate Field Hockey Standouts

Sisters Andrea and Jaelyn Moulton have carried their Stafford High field hockey success into strong collegiate careers at Western Connecticut State University. Andrea, a two-time All-State honoree, was third on the team in goals as a freshman and returned as a starter in 2025. Jaelyn, also an All-State selection, contributed significantly as a rookie, ranking third in shots and fifth in goals. Both earned Little East Conference academic honors, showcasing excellence on the field and in the classroom. (Source: WestConnAthletics.com)

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