Are There Future Celebrities Among Us?

Celebrities are everywhere. With 70% of Americans being sports fans, as reported by St Bonaventure UN, 93% purposefully listening to music, as reported by TSE Entertainment, and almost everyone reading about news through digital platforms or articles, stars arise. Names like Tom Brady, Taylor Swift, or Zendaya are well known to most people. These celebrities can seem unrelatable, aspirational, but impossible to truly relate to or share a journey with. However, notable celebrities and household names can originate anywhere, including the town of Westwood. Westwood is a town rich in history and has fostered the development of many well-known individuals. 

For example, Mathew Michael Hasselbeck, who played 17 years in the National Football League, went to school at Xaverian Brothers. With 36,638 passing yards and a passer rating of 82.4, Hasselbeck went to the Pro Bowl on three different occasions. Additionally, he has won both the Nils V. “Swede” Nelson Award and the Steve Largent Award.

Another famous football player is Maurice Hurst Jr. Born in Canton Massachusetts, Maurice played for the Cleveland Browns and also went to Xaverian Brothers. Hurst struggled with a heart condition, and despite being invited, was unable to join the 2018 NFL combine. However, he persevered and was cleared to play football and participate in Michigan’s pro day.  He has spent six years as a defensive lineman in the NFL, playing for the Raiders, 49ers and Browns.

Westwood has also inspired a passion for journalism in some. Jackie MacMullan is a retired American freelance newspaper sportswriter and NBA columnist. She worked with ESPN and retired in 2021. She attended Westwood High School and at the age of fifteen, wrote about the Wolverines girls teams for the local newspaper. She even aided Shaquille O’Neal, NBA superstar, in writing a book on his life. 

Additionally, Kristen Kjellman is an American women’s lacrosse player who played for the USA World Cup Team. She was reared in Westwood and attended Westwood High School from 1999-2003 before attending Northwestern University. Kristen, who was a four-time All American in college, has won numerous awards, including, Inside Lacrosse National Rookie of the Year (2007), Tewaaraton Trophy (2006, 2007), three-time American Lacrosse Conference (ALC) Player of the Year, three-time National Midfielder of the Year, all-time Northwestern record for goals (250) and points (349), among others.

Last, but not least, is Mike Woicik. Mike has enjoyed a long career as a strength and conditioning coach in the National Football League. Just behind Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, Mike is tied for third-most Super Bowl rings won. After attending Westwood High School, he graduated from Boston College. Significantly, Mike has helped teams win the Super Bowl six times. On three occasions in the 1990s, his Cowboys teams won the Super Bowl.  After a stint with the New Orleans Saints, Mike was hired by the Patriots, where he won another three Super Bowls from 2001-2004.  In 2011, Woicik rejoined the Cowboys as their strength conditioning coach, where he worked through the 2019 season.

Amazing people and phenomenal role models can come from anywhere, but it’s important to be able to identify greatness in your own community. Hopefully, these superb individuals can inspire others in the area to aim as high as possible and chase their dreams.