Notable Alumni from High Schools Across the USA Making Their Mark in Professional Sports
Notable Alumni from High Schools Across the USA Making Their Mark in Professional Sports
Across the United States, several high schools have established themselves as breeding grounds for top-tier athletic talent. From hoops to the gridiron, these institutions have played pivotal roles in developing athletes who now excel on the world stage. Let's dive into the remarkable journeys of some of these elite performers.
Chaminade Prep's Prodigies: Tatum and Tkachuk
Chaminade Prep in St. Louis, Missouri, boasts an impressive alumni roster with two standout stars: NBA's Jayson Tatum and the NHL's Matthew Tkachuk. Tatum's ascent in basketball has been nothing short of spectacular. In his high school days, Tatum averaged nearly 30 points per game and led his team to a state championship. His extraordinary performances earned him the prestigious 2016 Gatorade National Player of the Year award.
Currently a linchpin for the Boston Celtics, Tatum continues to shine in the NBA, averaging 30.1 points per game this season. His leadership was instrumental in guiding the Celtics to the NBA Finals last season, marking their fourth Eastern Conference finals appearance with Tatum on the roster.
On the ice, Matthew Tkachuk's journey saw him departing Chaminade after ninth grade to join the U.S. National Development Team. Now in his seventh NHL season, Tkachuk has proven his mettle, scoring 40 goals in consecutive seasons. His contributions have propelled the Florida Panthers to the brink of their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 1996.
Brentwood Academy: Garland and Ramsey
In Tennessee, Brentwood Academy has produced two versatile athletes: Darius Garland and Jalen Ramsey. Garland's basketball prowess was evident early on, starting varsity as an eighth grader and securing four state championships. His senior year saw him averaging 27.6 points per game. Presently, Garland stars for the Cleveland Cavaliers, leading his team in assists and averaging 21.6 points per game this season.
Jalen Ramsey's multi-sport background set the stage for a stellar career. At Brentwood, he set a Tennessee state record in the long jump and won a BCS national championship at Florida State. In the NFL, Ramsey has become a cornerstone of the Miami Dolphins defense, earning three All-Pro honors and a Super Bowl title with the Los Angeles Rams.
Highland Park's Dual Threats: Stafford and Kershaw
Highland Park High in Texas is another cradle of champions, with NFL quarterback Matthew Stafford and MLB pitcher Clayton Kershaw amongst its notable alumni. Stafford led his high school to a state championship in 2005 and has since enjoyed a prolific NFL career, recording nine seasons with over 4,000 passing yards and 333 touchdown passes. His crowning achievement came with guiding the Los Angeles Rams to a Super Bowl LVI victory.
Kershaw's high school career was equally stellar, highlighted by an all-strikeout perfect game and striking out 139 batters in a season. His professional accolades include three Cy Young Awards and the National League MVP. Kershaw played a crucial role in the Dodgers’ 2020 World Series win and continues to be a dominant force on the mound.
La Jolla Country Day's Rising Stars: Plum and Edman
On the West Coast, La Jolla Country Day in California has produced WNBA player Kelsey Plum and MLB’s Tommy Edman. Plum's high school career was outstanding, scoring over 2,000 points and leading her team to a state championship. Her professional ascent saw her being the first overall pick in the 2017 WNBA draft. A key figure for the Las Vegas Aces, Plum was instrumental in their 2022 WNBA title run.
Tommy Edman, another La Jolla standout, set school records in hits, runs, doubles, and stolen bases. Now with the St. Louis Cardinals, Edman's versatility on the field is invaluable, having played second base, third base, and shortstop while maintaining a .271 career batting average.
Norcross High's Multifaceted Talent: DeShields and Carter
Georgia's Norcross High has produced basketball and football stars Diamond DeShields and Lorenzo Carter. DeShields won three state basketball titles and was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA draft. Her stints with the Chicago Sky, Phoenix Mercury, and Dallas Wings have been punctuated by her contribution to the Sky's 2021 championship run.
Carter, renowned for his defensive prowess, led Norcross to a state championship and was a third-round pick by the New York Giants in 2018. Despite an Achilles injury in 2020, Carter has amassed 18.5 career sacks and currently plays for the Atlanta Falcons.
Allen High's Gridiron Stars: Nickal and Murray
Allen High in Texas boasts impressive alumni, including Bo Nickal and Kyler Murray. Murray's prep career is legendary, with 43 consecutive wins, three state titles, and 186 touchdowns. His collegiate success at Oklahoma earned him the 2018 Heisman Trophy, and he was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft. Murray was named NFL Rookie of the Year and led the Arizona Cardinals to the playoffs in 2021.
Bo Nickal's wrestling accolades are equally remarkable, with three state championships and just seven losses in high school. At Penn State, he secured three national titles and has transitioned seamlessly to mixed martial arts, winning all four of his professional bouts so far.
These high schools have proven to be fertile grounds for athletic excellence, producing athletes who have not only excelled in their sports but have also become role models and icons in their respective fields.
