From High School Glory to Professional Stardom: Notable Athletic Alumni and Their Impact
In St. Louis, Missouri, Chaminade Preparatory School boasts an impressive list of alumni, including basketball standout Jayson Tatum and hockey star Matthew Tkachuk. Tatum, who is currently a key player for the Boston Celtics, averaged nearly 30 points per game during his high school years and led his team to a state championship. His high school achievements earned him recognition as the 2016 Gatorade National Player of the Year. In the NBA, Tatum continues to shine, averaging 30.1 points per game this season and leading the Celtics to the NBA Finals last season. He's now a four-time participant in the Eastern Conference finals, consistently showcasing his talent on the biggest stages.
Matthew Tkachuk, another Chaminade alum, departed the school after ninth grade to join the U.S. National Development Team, marking the beginning of a promising hockey career. Now in his seventh NHL season, Tkachuk has impressively scored 40 goals in consecutive seasons. His efforts have been crucial for the Florida Panthers, who are just one win away from reaching their first Stanley Cup Final since 1996.
Brentwood Academy's Athletic Legacy
Brentwood Academy in Tennessee has produced remarkable talents such as basketball player Darius Garland and football star Jalen Ramsey. Garland was a prodigy from a young age, starting varsity basketball in eighth grade and securing four state championships. As a senior, he averaged 27.6 points per game. Now with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Garland leads the team in assists, averaging 21.6 points per game this season.
Jalen Ramsey, a multi-sport athlete at Brentwood Academy, set a Tennessee state record in the long jump. His versatility on the field earned him accolades, including a BCS national championship at Florida State and a Super Bowl victory with the Los Angeles Rams. Currently playing for the Miami Dolphins, Ramsey is a three-time All-Pro, known for his defensive prowess.
Highland Park High's Stars
Highland Park High in Texas has a storied history of producing elite athletes like NFL quarterback Matthew Stafford and MLB pitcher Clayton Kershaw. Stafford, who led his team to a state championship in 2005, has consistently performed at a high level in the NFL. With nine 4,000-yard seasons and 333 touchdown passes, Stafford guided the Los Angeles Rams to a Super Bowl LVI victory, cementing his status as one of the league's top quarterbacks.
Clayton Kershaw, a high school phenom with a perfect season under his belt, struck out 139 batters in a single season, including an all-strikeout perfect game. A three-time Cy Young Award winner and the National League MVP, Kershaw played a pivotal role in the Dodgers' 2020 World Series win. He is also a key competitor in the postseason, trailing only Justin Verlander for most strikeouts in history.
Achievements of La Jolla Country Day Alumni
California's La Jolla Country Day has seen outstanding athletes like Kelsey Plum and Tommy Edman emerge from its halls. Plum, who scored over 2,000 points and grabbed more than 600 rebounds in high school, led her team to a state championship. As the first overall pick in the 2017 WNBA draft, Plum has been instrumental for the Las Vegas Aces, averaging 17.1 points per game in the 2022 playoffs and helping secure a WNBA title.
Tommy Edman set multiple school records in hits, runs, doubles, and stolen bases. With 91 stolen bases over four varsity seasons, Edman now serves as a versatile asset for the St. Louis Cardinals, playing second base, third base, and shortstop. His career batting average stands at .271, underscoring his consistency at the plate.
Norcross High's Versatile Talents
Norcross High in Georgia has produced multi-talented athletes like Diamond DeShields and Lorenzo Carter. DeShields, a three-time state basketball champion in high school, averaged 26 points per game as a senior. The No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA draft, DeShields has played for the Chicago Sky, Phoenix Mercury, and Dallas Wings, contributing significantly to the Sky's 2021 championship run.
Lorenzo Carter, known for his defensive prowess, recorded 132 tackles and six sacks as a senior in high school, leading Norcross to a state championship. Drafted in the third round by the New York Giants in 2018, Carter overcame an Achilles injury that sidelined him for most of the 2020 season. He currently plays for the Atlanta Falcons, where he has accumulated 18.5 career sacks.
Allen High's Athletic Excellence
Allen High in Texas is renowned for its contributions to the world of sports, producing stars like Bo Nickal and Kyler Murray. Murray, who led his team to three consecutive state titles and won 43 straight games, accounted for 186 touchdowns during his high school career. His success continued at Oklahoma, where he won the 2018 Heisman Trophy. As the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft, Murray has made an immediate impact, winning NFL Rookie of the Year and leading the Arizona Cardinals to the playoffs in 2021.
Bo Nickal, a wrestling phenom, won state championships in three different weight classes and lost just seven matches in his high school career. At Penn State, Nickal secured three national titles, showcasing his dominance on the mat. Transitioning to MMA, Nickal earned a UFC contract after stellar performances in Dana White's Contender Series, maintaining an unbeaten record in his professional bouts so far.
Each of these high schools has played a pivotal role in nurturing young talents who have gone on to achieve remarkable success in their respective sports. Their alumni continue to make waves, inspiring the next generation of athletes to strive for greatness.
