Discover South Jersey’s Stars: A Glimpse into Our Local Olympians and Athletes!
South Jersey is home to some remarkable talents who have made their mark on the world stage. From the soccer fields to the ping-pong tables and beyond, here’s a spotlight on four extraordinary athletes who call our region home.
⚽ Paxten Aaronson: Medford’s Midfield Marvel
Meet Paxten Aaronson, a 20-year-old attacking midfielder from Medford, NJ, who’s kicking up a storm on the international soccer scene. Standing at 5’9″, Paxten has been making waves with his dynamic play style and impressive skills. With his roots in Medford and his youth career with the Philadelphia Union, Paxten is a true testament to South Jersey’s talent.
Career Highlights:
- Debuted for the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) in January 2023.
- Played for US U-20, US U-23, and is a current member of the USMNT.
- Signed by the Philadelphia Union in 2020 and is now on loan to Utrecht from Eintracht Frankfurt.
🏓 Amy Wang: Sewell’s Ping-Pong Prodigy
Amy Wang, a 21-year-old from Sewell, NJ, has been causing a stir on the international table tennis scene. Starting at just four years old, Amy’s journey from a young player to a world-class athlete is nothing short of inspiring.
Career Highlights:
- Made her U.S. National Team debut at 12.
- Competed in the 2024 Olympic Games, finishing 17th in Singles – Women.
- Achieved a top finish of 9th in Doubles – Mixed at the 2023 World Championships.
🎾 Tommy Paul: Voorhees’ Tennis Titan
Tommy Paul, originally from Greenville, NC but with strong South Jersey ties, has been making headlines in the world of tennis. At 27 years old and standing 6’1″, Tommy’s powerful game and dedication to his sport have earned him a spot among tennis greats. Tommy’s story is one of perseverance and passion, showing the world the excellence that South Jersey athletes bring.
Career Highlights:
- Achieved his first Grand Slam win and a memorable 5-setter victory at the 2020 Australian Open.
- Two-time Olympian with a bronze medal in Doubles – Men at the Paris 2024 Games.
- Enjoys surfing, basketball, and golf in his downtime.
🏊 Raekwon Noel: South Jersey’s Aquatic Ace
At just 18, Raekwon Noel is making waves both literally and figuratively. Originally from New York but now part of the South Jersey Aquatic Club, Raekwon competed in the 400-meter freestyle for the Guyana Olympic Team.
Raekwon’s dedication to swimming and his transition to South Jersey highlight the region’s growing influence in international sports. Keep an eye out for his future performances as he continues to make a splash!