Alumni Athletes from Across the Nation: Icons in the Making
Alumni Athletes from Across the Nation: Icons in the Making
From high school gyms to the grandest stages of professional sports, several institutions have become the breeding grounds for elite athletes who continue to capture the public's imagination. Here's a look at some of the standout figures, tracing their journeys from local stardom to national heroics.
Jayson Tatum and Matthew Tkachuk: Chaminade Prep’s Pride
Chaminade Prep in St. Louis, Missouri, boasts an impressive roster of alumni leading in their respective sports. Jayson Tatum, now shining brightly as a Boston Celtics stalwart, is a prime example. Averaging nearly 30 points per game during his high school days, Tatum propelled his team to a state championship and earned the 2016 Gatorade National Player of the Year award. His NBA career has seen him elevate the Celtics to the NBA Finals last season and reach the Eastern Conference finals four times. This season, Tatum continues his spectacular form, averaging 30.1 points per game.
Matthew Tkachuk, another illustrious alumnus, left Chaminade after the ninth grade to join the U.S. National Development Team. Entering his seventh NHL season, Tkachuk has achieved the rare feat of scoring 40 goals in consecutive seasons. With his contributions, the Florida Panthers are on the brink of their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 1996.
Brentwood Academy’s Double Threat: Garland and Ramsey
In Brentwood, Tennessee, Brentwood Academy has produced exceptional talents like Darius Garland and Jalen Ramsey. Garland, who began his varsity basketball career in eighth grade, amassed four state championships and a remarkable average of 27.6 points per game as a senior. Currently a pivotal player for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Garland leads the team in assists and averages 21.6 points per game this season.
Jalen Ramsey, a multi-sport marvel during his high school years, set a Tennessee state record in the long jump. Ramsey’s athletic prowess translated seamlessly to football, where he won a BCS National Championship with Florida State and a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams. Now with the Miami Dolphins, Ramsey is a three-time All-Pro, consistently proving his mettle in the NFL.
Highland Park High’s Dynamic Duo: Stafford and Kershaw
Moving to Texas, Highland Park High has raised two phenomenal athletes: Matthew Stafford and Clayton Kershaw. Stafford, who led his high school team to a state championship in 2005, has carved out an illustrious NFL career. With nine seasons surpassing 4,000 passing yards and 333 career touchdowns, Stafford's crowning achievement came when he guided the Los Angeles Rams to victory in Super Bowl LVI.
Clayton Kershaw’s high school legacy includes a season with 139 strikeouts, highlighted by an all-strikeout perfect game. The MLB veteran has three Cy Young Awards and a National League MVP to his name. Kershaw also played a pivotal role in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 2020 World Series win and is hot on Justin Verlander’s heels for the most strikeouts in postseason history.
La Jolla Country Day’s Versatile Stars: Plum and Edman
La Jolla Country Day in California is another institution that has groomed future champions. Kelsey Plum, who amassed over 2,000 points and 600 rebounds in high school, led her team to a state championship. Chosen as the first overall pick in the 2017 WNBA Draft, Plum has become indispensable to the Las Vegas Aces, contributing significantly to their WNBA title run last season.
Tommy Edman, another La Jolla standout, set school records in hits, runs, doubles, and stolen bases. With 91 stolen bases over four varsity seasons, Edman’s versatility has been a critical asset for the St. Louis Cardinals, where he plays various infield positions and boasts a solid career batting average of .271.
Norcross High’s Gems: DeShields and Carter
From Georgia, Norcross High produced basketball talent Diamond DeShields and NFL linebacker Lorenzo Carter. DeShields, who secured three state titles and averaged 26 points per game as a senior, was the No. 3 pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft. Her professional career has seen significant contributions to teams like the Chicago Sky, Phoenix Mercury, and Dallas Wings, with a pivotal role in the Sky’s 2021 championship win.
Lorenzo Carter, known for his 132 tackles and six sacks in his senior year, led Norcross to a state championship. Drafted by the New York Giants in 2018, Carter has overcome an Achilles injury and continues to be a significant player for the Atlanta Falcons.
Allen High’s Phenoms: Nickal and Murray
Allen High in Texas has seen its alumni excel in diverse fields. Kyler Murray, with his exceptional record of 43 consecutive victories and 186 touchdowns in high school, continued his ascent at Oklahoma, where he won the 2018 Heisman Trophy. Chosen first overall in the 2019 NFL Draft, Murray’s dynamic play led the Arizona Cardinals to the playoffs in 2021, earning him NFL Rookie of the Year honors.
Bo Nickal, a high school wrestling sensation with state titles in three different weight classes, lost only seven matches throughout his prep career. At Penn State, Nickal secured three national titles before transitioning to a professional MMA career, where he remains unbeaten.
These athletes' journeys from high school prodigies to professional sports icons serve as a testament to the nurturing environments provided by their alma maters and their relentless pursuit of excellence.
