MANSFIELD — As part of Mansfield Public Schools’ newly implemented educator spotlight series, Superintendent Teresa Murphy would like to recognize Hillary Crook, high school physical education teacher by day and professional athlete by night.
The purpose of the educator spotlights is to highlight the important work that Mansfield Public Schools employees perform on a daily basis and their unique backgrounds. To kick off the series, Superintendent Murphy would like to recognize physical education teacher and professional athlete Hillary Crook.
Crook, a Mansfield native and Mansfield High School graduate has served as a health and physical education teacher at Mansfield High School as well as a coach for Mansfield High School’s track and field programs since 2013.
Outside of Mansfield Public Schools, Crook shines in her athletic career as left tackle for the Boston Women’s Football Renegades offensive line. She joined the team in the spring of 2017 and, since then, has received numerous accolades.
In 2020 and 2021, Crook was named a Women’s Football Alliance (WFA) All-American. Crook’s team has also earned the honor of WFA National Champion for five consecutive years since 2017.
Crook is also a member of the U.S. Women’s National Football Team which was awarded a gold medal at the 2022 International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Women’s World Championship.
Prior to her professional career, Crook played soccer, basketball and indoor and outdoor track at Mansfield High School. She was named a three-time champion in Massachusetts for track and field shot put, finishing second in New England and seventh in the nation as a senior in 2006.
Crook was later recruited to Jacksonville University in Florida for women’s track and field where she was named a three-time American Sun (ASUN) Conference Indoor Shot Put Champion and a two-time ASUN Conference Outdoor Shot Put Champion.
Crook holds a master’s degree in physical education from Jacksonville University and a bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville University.
Following her college career, Crook served as a substitute teacher for Attleboro Public Schools from 2011-2013 before returning to Mansfield Public Schools in 2013.
Since returning to Mansfield Public Schools, Crook has led multiple teams to win Hockomock League and state titles.
“My goal is to provide my students with the same positive experiences that I had during my time at Mansfield High School,” said Crook. “Mansfield has always felt like home to me and I am fortunate to work in a district that supported me through a wide range of athletic experiences and led me to a profession that I love.”
In addition to her teaching and coaching responsibilities, Crook is a pivotal member of Mansfield High School’s athletic department. She serves as a site administrator at sports games; works the clock for basketball and soccer games; and is the announcer at volleyball, soccer and unified basketball games.
“I want to extend my gratitude to physical education teacher Hillary Crook for over 10 years of commitment to Mansfield Public Schools and her continued support of our student-athletes,” said Superintendent Murphy. “Hillary is not only a role model in the classroom but a role model on the field for students to persist and follow their passion.”
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