Class of 2018 graduate EJ Pacapelli walked the halls of West Haven High School as a student-athlete and left with lessons that would carry him far beyond the rink and classroom. Four years later, he earned his degree from the University of New Haven in 2022—and now, he’s scoring wins in one of the most iconic ballparks in the world.
Looking back, EJ credits many WHHS teachers and activities with shaping his character and work ethic. Among them, Mr. Consorte, Mr. Kirk, Mr. Trenchard, Mrs. Porto, and Mrs. Grosshuesch made a strong impact through their guidance and support. Still, it was Coach Morrell and the WHHS Hockey program that left the deepest mark. “That is where I learned that working hard and giving it your all is the most important thing you can do in life,” EJ said—a lesson that has stayed with him in every chapter since.
When it comes to advice for current students, EJ believes relationships are everything. “Meet as many people as you can and leave a phenomenal impression on them,” he said. “You never know who that person may know. The larger your network grows of people who will help you, the better off you will be. Your network is your net worth.” His message is clear: connections built today can open unexpected doors tomorrow.
If he could sit down with his high school self, EJ would encourage him to enjoy the journey as much as the destination. “Don’t take yourself too seriously. Take your grades and extracurriculars seriously to get into a good college. As long as you give it your all, let the chips fall where they may. Have as much fun as possible—it will go by fast.”
In his career, EJ has found a winning formula by combining passion, skill, and opportunity. Now serving as a Premium Season Ticket Account Executive with the Boston Red Sox, he is responsible for selling premium club space season tickets at Fenway Park. In his first year alone, he sold over $1 million in season tickets. His introduction to sports sales came during his time at the University of New Haven, where a connection with his future employer, Dan Tamburro, and the Connecticut Sun put him on the path toward his dream job.
For EJ, keeping the right mindset has been just as important as hard work. “Focus on how lucky you are with the things you have. Don’t let the things you do not have upset you. If you work hard and make the correct decisions, those things will come. Don’t take anything in life for granted.”
From the ice at Bennett Rink to the seats at Fenway, EJ Pacapelli has carried WHHS’s lessons of hard work, gratitude, and connection into every stadium or arena he enters—proof that the values learned in high school can set the stage for lifelong success.