The Heart of a Program: The Enduring Success of the Hillsborough High School Girls Track Team

For years, the Hillsborough High School Girls Track & Field team has stood as one of the most admired and consistently successful programs in New Jersey. Under the leadership of Head Coach Rich Refi and assistant coaches Jason Rudich and Coach Rocco Mazzagatti, the program has built a legacy defined not only by championships, but by character, compassion, and a deep commitment to every student-athlete who steps onto the track.

The team's achievements are impressive, but what truly sets Hillsborough apart is the culture—one where every runner is valued, every effort is recognized, and every athlete is cared for as a whole person.

By the Numbers: A Championship Season

Hillsborough's 2025–26 campaign added another chapter to one of the most storied programs in the state, with strong showings across both the winter and spring seasons and new entries in the school's record book.

Winter Season Highlights

Spring Track & Field 2026 Highlights

Taken together, these results reflect a program built for sustained excellence rather than fleeting success. Across both seasons, Hillsborough now counts an extraordinary 138 County, Conference, and Divisional Championships and 28 State Championships in program history—a body of achievement that places Hillsborough among the elite girls track and field programs in New Jersey.

A Team That Chooses Commitment

The team’s dedication to one another—and to the sport—runs deep. Coach Refi often shares a story that captures the spirit of the program:

“Our State Meet was a Friday/Saturday meet. Our prom was on that Friday then the kids go to the Poconos. Five seniors, Ava Lucariello, Stella Martinez, Cassie Montoya, Izzy Ruffa, and Emma Stibitz went to the prom late, missing pictures and hair/nail appointments. Then competed on Saturday, giving up the first day of prom weekend. None of them even thought twice about it.

I gave them the Championship trophy to bring up to the Poconos for the remaining part of prom weekend when they went up late. Great people, very dedicated.”

This wasn’t a sacrifice imposed on them—it was a choice. A choice to honor their teammates, their coaches, and the work they had put in all season, including often all three seasons.

A Program That Builds Futures

The 2026 roster reflects the program’s depth and strength, with 14 seniors, 16 juniors, 22 sophomores, and 32 freshmen making up the squad. And many of the seniors are planning to compete in college at the Division I, II, or III level with destinations ranging from West Chester University to Monmouth, St. Joseph’s, Springfield College, Sacred Heart University.

But the coaches’ pride extends far beyond college commitments. They welcome all students—beginners, veterans, sprinters, distance runners, throwers, and everyone in between. The only requirement is that athletes show up, care, and commit to improving.

A Community That Celebrates Its Champions

On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, the team’s accomplishments were honored in a ceremony that reflected not just athletic success, but state and local community pride.

Hillsborough Town Committeewomen Samantha Hand and Jill Gomez presented each student-athlete with an official State of New Jersey Proclamation from Governor Mikie Sherrill recognizing and congratulating them on their achievements. State Assemblyman Roy Freiman had secured the proclamation from Governor Sherrill, and the Committeewomen personally handed each athlete her individual proclamation along with a bouquet of flowers.

Reflecting on the honor, Town Committeewoman Samantha Hand said:

“It is a true honor to recognize these remarkable student-athletes from across all grades at HHS. What they’ve achieved reflects genuine commitment, self-discipline, teamwork, and talent. We wish each of them the very best—whether they carry their track career forward in college this September or return to lead the way as juniors and seniors at HHS.”

The celebration continued as the Mayor of Hillsborough presented the team with a Town Proclamation, honoring their dedication, sportsmanship, and representation of the community. It was a day that underscored how deeply the town values not only the team’s victories, but the character and commitment behind them.

The “Secret Sauce” Behind Two Decades of Excellence

When asked what has fueled the program’s nearly annual championships over the past 20 years, Coach Refi’s answer was characteristically direct:

“I am straight forward and every runner matters. And it is important for every runner to care about being on this team.”

His approach is direct, honest, and rooted in respect. He treats his high school athletes like young adults—capable, responsible, and deserving of the truth. And they respond to it.

This clarity, paired with genuine care, creates an environment where athletes know exactly what is expected of them and exactly how much their coaches believe in them. It’s a formula that has produced not only winning teams, but confident, resilient young women who carry those lessons far beyond the track.

A Legacy That Lasts

The long-standing success of the Hillsborough High School Girls Track team is not defined solely by medals or trophies. It is defined by the stories—stories of athletes who found confidence, community, and purpose; stories of coaches who noticed, cared, and acted; stories of a town that stands proudly behind its young women.

Under the leadership of Coach Rich Refi and supported by Coaches Jason Rudich and Rocco Mazzagatti, the program has become a model of what high school athletics can be at their best: a place where young people grow, thrive, and learn what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves.

And as long as these coaches continue to lead with heart, Hillsborough’s success—on and off the track—will continue for years to come. All the best to all of these student athletes as they define their own paths on the track and off.