Matthew McGroarty (Ice Hockey, Quinnipiac University) grew up in Westport. HelloNation asks student athletes one question about the place that raised them and records the answer on camera. This is Matthew McGroarty’s, in full.
The question
If someone had never been to your hometown, how would you describe its character and reputation? What makes it unique, memorable, or influential?
The answer, as recorded
Transcript. What follows is a transcript of the video above, in Matthew McGroarty’s own words. It has not been rewritten, and no part of it was drafted for them.
If someone had never been to Westport, I would describe it as a coastal New England town that perfectly balances a close-knit community with a vibrant, active lifestyle. It's known for its beautiful beaches, scenic coastline, charming downtown, and top-rated schools. But what really gives Westport its character is the people. There's a strong sense of pride in the community, and residents are always finding ways to support local businesses, volunteer, and come together for events throughout the year. Westport is also known where sports, the arts, and academics are all highly valued. Whether it's a packed Friday night football game, youth sports on the weekends, performances at local theaters, or community festivals downtown, there's always something bringing people together. My favorite being the Yankee Doodle Fair that I just went to a couple weeks ago. The town encourages people to pursue their passions while staying connected to those around them. What makes Westport especially memorable is how it combines natural beauty with a welcoming atmosphere. You can spend the morning at Campo Beach, grab lunch downtown, and end the day watching a local sporting event or community concert. Even though it's located just outside New York City, Westport has maintained a small-town feel where people recognize familiar faces, support one another, and genuinely care about their community. That's what has always made it feel like home to me. Thanks for watching!
Recorded by HelloNation as part of its athlete voices program and published by Hello Newswire, HelloNation’s good news newswire. The words are the speaker’s own.
Reported by Hello Newswire.