A Legacy of Excellence: High School Athletes Who Became Pro Sports Stars
A Legacy of Excellence: High School Athletes Who Became Pro Sports Stars
From humble beginnings in high school gyms and fields, several athletes have emerged as stars in their respective professional leagues. These athletes' journeys from high school prodigies to professional superstars are marked by dedication, accolades, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Chaminade Prep: Jayson Tatum and Matthew Tkachuk
Chaminade Prep in St. Louis, Missouri, boasts alumni who have made significant marks in both the NBA and NHL. Jayson Tatum, currently a standout player for the Boston Celtics, illuminated his high school career by averaging nearly 30 points per game and leading his team to a state championship. Tatum’s high school prowess earned him the 2016 Gatorade National Player of the Year award. Today, he averages 30.1 points per game in the NBA and has led the Celtics to the NBA Finals last season, marking his fourth appearance in the Eastern Conference finals.
Matthew Tkachuk, another Chaminade alum, left after ninth grade to join the U.S. National Development Team. Now in his seventh NHL season, Tkachuk has consistently proven himself by scoring 40 goals in consecutive seasons. As a key player for the Florida Panthers, his contributions have brought the team within one win of their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 1996.
Brentwood Academy: Darius Garland and Jalen Ramsey
In Tennessee, Brentwood Academy has produced athletes like Darius Garland and Jalen Ramsey. Garland, who started varsity basketball in eighth grade, won four state championships and averaged 27.6 points per game as a senior. Now a vital player for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Garland leads his team in assists, adding an impressive 21.6 points per game this season.
Jalen Ramsey, a versatile athlete during his high school years, set a Tennessee state record in the long jump before excelling in football. Ramsey won a BCS national championship at Florida State and a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams. A three-time All-Pro, Ramsey currently showcases his defensive skills with the Miami Dolphins.
Highland Park High: Matthew Stafford and Clayton Kershaw
Highland Park High in Texas has nurtured talents like Matthew Stafford and Clayton Kershaw. Stafford led his high school team to a state championship in 2005 and has since established himself in the NFL with nine 4,000-yard seasons and 333 touchdown passes. His leadership was instrumental in the Los Angeles Rams' Super Bowl LVI victory.
Clayton Kershaw, meanwhile, achieved a perfect high school season, striking out 139 batters and even pitching an all-strikeout perfect game. Kershaw, a three-time Cy Young Award winner and National League MVP, played a pivotal role in the Dodgers' 2020 World Series win. He stands just behind Justin Verlander for the most strikeouts in postseason history.
La Jolla Country Day: Kelsey Plum and Tommy Edman
California's La Jolla Country Day has seen the emergence of stars like Kelsey Plum and Tommy Edman. Plum scored over 2,000 points and grabbed more than 600 rebounds in high school, leading her team to a state championship. As the first overall pick in the 2017 WNBA draft, Plum has been nothing short of exceptional, averaging 17.1 points per game in the 2022 playoffs and helping the Las Vegas Aces secure a WNBA title.
Tommy Edman, known for setting school records in hits, runs, doubles, and stolen bases, has continued his success with the St. Louis Cardinals. A versatile player, Edman has played at second base, third base, and shortstop, maintaining an admirable career batting average of .271.
Norcross High: Diamond DeShields and Lorenzo Carter
Norcross High in Georgia is the alma mater of Diamond DeShields and Lorenzo Carter. DeShields won three state basketball titles and averaged 26 points per game as a senior. Drafted third overall in the 2018 WNBA draft, she has been a critical player for the Chicago Sky, Phoenix Mercury, and Dallas Wings, contributing significantly to the Sky's 2021 championship run.
Lorenzo Carter, a formidable football player, recorded 132 tackles and six sacks as a senior, leading Norcross to a state championship. Overcoming an Achilles injury in 2020, Carter plays for the Atlanta Falcons, boasting 18.5 career sacks.
Allen High: Bo Nickal and Kyler Murray
Allen High in Texas has produced remarkable athletes such as Bo Nickal and Kyler Murray. Murray led his high school team to three consecutive state titles, accounting for 186 touchdowns. His stellar college career at Oklahoma earned him the 2018 Heisman Trophy before becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft. Today, Murray continues to shine, having led the Arizona Cardinals to the playoffs in 2021 and winning the NFL Rookie of the Year.
Bo Nickal, renowned for his wrestling prowess, secured state championships in three different weight classes and lost only seven matches in high school. At Penn State, he claimed three national titles before transitioning to MMA, where he has won all four of his professional bouts, earning a UFC contract.
These high school to pro-sports trajectories illustrate the exceptional talent and determination required to transition from local heroes to celebrated athletes on the global stage. Each athlete’s journey is a testament to their hard work and the supportive environments that fostered their early development.
