Famous alumni of Guilford County High Schools: 2025 Edition
- Fantasia: Andrews High
- Adam Lazzara: SW Guilford High
- Rick Dees: Grimsley High
- Spencer Chamberlain: Page High
- Ski Beatz: Grimsley High
- Clarence Avant: Dudley High
- Honorable Mention:
- Ken Jeong: Page High
- Murphy Anderson: Greensboro Senior High (Grimsley)
- Ted Tally: Grimsley High
- Kenny & Keith Lucas: HP Central High
- Jenn Lyon: HP Central High
- Brett Claywell: Dudley High
- Debra L. Lee: Dudley High
- Brandon Jones: NE Guilford High
- Honorable Mention:
- Curly Neal: Dudley High
- Lou ‘Sweet Lou’ Hudson: Dudley High
- Danny Manning: Page High
- Charlie Sanders: Dudley High
- Torry Holt: Eastern Guilford High
- Keenan Allen: Northern Guilford High
- Hendon Hooker: Dudley High
- Jeff Bostic: Smith High
- John Isner: Page High
- Adrian Wilson: Andrews High
- David Amerson: Dudley High
- Haywood Jeffires: Page High
- Fred Whitfield: SE Guilford High
- Bob McAdoo: Smith High
- Honorable Mentions:
GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) — Did you go to high school with someone who went on to become famous?
Well, if you’re from Guilford County, the odds of that are pretty high.
Without further ado, these are some of the famous alumni of high schools in Guilford County. If you know of someone we missed, be sure to let us know.
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Musical Stars
Many alumni of Guilford County high schools have gone on to achieve major notoriety in the world of music.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 07: Recording artist Fantasia performs onstage during FOX’s “American Idol” Finale For The Farewell Season at Dolby Theatre on April 7, 2016, in Hollywood, California at Dolby Theatre on April 7, 2016, in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Fantasia: Andrews High
That’s right, the acclaimed R&B superstar and winner of the third season of American Idol was born and raised in High Point and attended Andrews High School.
Fantasia has gone on to perform on Broadway and won a Grammy in 2012 for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for her hit single “Bittersweet.”
Her 2006 hit single “When I See U” topped the Billboard charts for Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs for eight weeks.
Fantasia was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and had a street named after her in High Point in 2024.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 23: Adam Lazzara of Taking Back Sunday performs at the 2022 When We Were Young Festival at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds on October 23, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
Adam Lazzara: SW Guilford High
After growing up in High Point, Lazzara moved to New York to join Taking Back Sunday after Jesse Lacey left the band to form the ironically named alternative rock band Brand New.
The group is best known for their 2006 hit single “MakeDamnSure.”
Lazzara also plays guitar and occasionally the harmonica.
HOLLYWOOD, CA – JUNE 07: Entertainer Rick Dees arrives at the American Film Institute’s 46th Life Achievement Award Gala Tribute to George Clooney on June 7, 2018, in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
Rick Dees: Grimsley High
Dees is also known for hosting the internationally syndicated radio show “The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown.”
“Disco Duck,” which features a Donald Duck-esque voice performing over a disco beat, was a #1 Billboard hit in the U.S.
SACRAMENTO, CA – OCTOBER 13: Vocalist Spencer Chamberlain of Underoath performs at Aftershock Festival 2018 at Discovery Park on October 13, 2018, in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Miikka Skaffari/FilmMagic)
Spencer Chamberlain: Page High
Spencer Chamberlain is the lead vocalist for the rock band Underoath. He was also raised in Greensboro and attended Page High School.
Chamberlain joined Underoath in 2003 and has been with the band ever since.
The group has released six albums since Chamberlain joined the band.
After a brief hiatus in 2014, Underoath began to perform again.
Ski Beatz visits the SiriusXM Studios on August 26, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)
Ski Beatz: Grimsley High
He is best known for his work with Jay-Z, as he helped produce his debut album in 1996, “Reasonable Doubt.”
Ski Beatz produced the songs “Dead Presidents II”, “Feelin It”, “22 Two’s” and “Politics as Usual.”
HOLLYWOOD, CA – OCTOBER 07: Record Producer Quincy Jones (L) attends a ceremony honoring Music Executive Clarence Avant (R) with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on October 7, 2016, in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
Clarence Avant: Dudley High
Clarence Avant is a legendary music executive, known to many as “The Black Godfather” due to the impact he had on the industry.
Born in Climax, Avant went on to become a prominent music executive, managing artists such as Tom Wilson, Little Willie John, Freddie Hubbard and many others.
His career is depicted in the 2019 documentary “The Black Godfather.”
Honorable Mention:
- Billy “Crash” Craddock: Rankin High
- Country and rockabilly singer who gained international fame in the 60s and 70s.
Entertainment
The talented alumni of Guilford County have also made their mark in the entertainment industry.
Ken Jeong (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for EIF)
Ken Jeong: Page High
Ken Jeong is an actor and comedian known for his appearances in “Community,” ‘The Hangover” film series and “The Masked Singer.”
Jeong was also raised in Greensboro and attended Page High School. His father was even a professor of economics at North Carolina A&T State University.
Cover art for the ‘Superman’ comic book, 1930s. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Murphy Anderson: Greensboro Senior High (Grimsley)
Anderson worked on many notable DC Comics characters, including Hawkman, Zatanna, Superman, Batgirl, and many more.
He worked in the comic industry for over 50 years and served in the United States Navy from 1944 to 45.
He passed away in October 2015.
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 20: Ted Tally attends the 25th Anniversary Event Of Silence Of The Lambs presented by The Academy Museum and supported by The New York Times on April 20, 2016, in New York City. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Academy of Motion Picture Arts)
Ted Tally: Grimsley High
He is best known for adapting the novel “The Silence of the Lambs” into a film for which he won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Tally also wrote the 2002 film “Red Dragon.” His most recent work is the 2018 action-war film “12 Strong.”
Tally also served as a creative consultant on several notable DreamWorks animated films.
Those projects include “Shrek 2,” “Madagascar,” and “Shrek the Third.”
He also made an unaccredited appearance in “The Silence of the Lambs” as a SWAT team member.
Kenny & Keith Lucas: HP Central High
THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON — Episode 0153 — Pictured: (l-r) Comedians Kenny and Keith Lucas perform on October 31, 2014 — (Photo by: Douglas Gorenstein/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
The duo’s first well-known work was “Lucas Bros. Moving Co.,” an animated series created and written by the twins.
The duo won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for their 2021 film “Judas and the Black Messiah.”
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 01: Actor Jenn Lyon attends the premiere of TNT’s “Claws” at Harmony Gold Theatre on June 1, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. 27059_001 (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for TNT)
Jenn Lyon: HP Central High
Jenn Lyon is an actress best known for her roles in television dramas.
Before making it big in the television industry, Lyon was born and raised in High Point and attended High Point Central High School.
Lyon’s first breakout role was as Lindsey Salazar, a recurring character in the neo-western drama “Justified” from 2012-13.
She then appeared as George Lopez’s ex-wife in the briefly lived sitcom “Saint George” in 2014.
She got her breakout in 2017 as she starred as Jennifer Husser in the comedy-drama “Claws,” which ran until 2022.
ONE LIFE TO LIVE – Brett Claywell (Kyle) and Scott Evans (Oliver) in a scene that airs the week of March 1, 2010, on Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images Daytime’s “One Life to Live.” “One Life to Live” airs Monday-Friday (2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., ET) on the Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images Television Network. OLTL10 (Photo by Steve Fenn/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images) BRETT CLAYWELL, SCOTT EVANS
Brett Claywell: Dudley High
His breakout role was playing Tim Smith in the series “One Tree Hill,” in which he appeared in 33 episodes.
Claywell then played a main role in the soap opera “One Life to Live,” appearing as Kyle Lewis in 97 episodes of the series.
Claywell has also appeared in two episodes of “Dawson’s Creek.”
Claywell still keeps up with his high school. He praised fellow Dudley High School legend Hendon Hooker in an Instagram post in 2022.
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 24: Honoree Debra L. Lee accepts the Ultimate Icon Award onstage at the 2018 BET Awards at Microsoft Theater on June 24, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)
Debra L. Lee: Dudley High
Lee started off working in legal affairs at BET before becoming CEO in 2005 and remaining in that role until 2018.
She worked at BET for over 30 years.
LOS ANGELES – OCTOBER 5: “Brain Doe” — D.B. Russell (Ted Danson) is concerned his son, Charlie Russell (Brandon W. Jones) is not focused on college following his suspension from school, on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Wednesday, Nov. 9 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. (Photo by Monty Brinton/CBS via Getty Images)
Brandon Jones: NE Guilford High
Some of Jones’ better-known roles are as Andrew Campbell in 12 episodes of “Pretty Little Liars” and as Ted Danson’s character’s son in four episodes of “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.”
He has also made bit appearances in shows such as “The Big Bang Theory,” “Empire,” “The Middle,” “Two Broke Girls” and “Supernatural.”
Jones also played Liam Olmstead in six episodes of “The Fosters.”
Honorable Mention:
- Emily Spivey: Andrews High
- Television writer and voice actress, creator of “Up All Night” and “Bless the Harts,” also wrote for “Saturday Night Live.” Also attended UNC-Greensboro.
Athletes
Fred “Curly” Neal and “Handles” Franklin of the Harlem Globetrotters visiting the FOX8 studios Cindy Farmer had some good photos with them!
Curly Neal: Dudley High
Curly Neal, the legendary Harlem Globetrotter, was born and raised in Greensboro and attended Dudley High School, where he starred as a basketball player.
Neal became known to an international audience by starring in the Hanna-Barbera cartoons “Harlem Globetrotters” and “The Super Globetrotters.”
Neal starred for the Globetrotters from 1963-1985 and is considered by many to be the greatest Globetrotter of all time.
His No. 22 jersey has been retired by the Globetrotters. He passed away in March 2020.
Inglewood, CA – 1972: (L-R) Lou Hudson, Spencer Haywood in the 1972 NBA All-Star Game, the Forum. (Photo by Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
Lou ‘Sweet Lou’ Hudson: Dudley High
A six-time NBA All-Star, Hudson starred for the St. Louis/Atlanta Hawks during the early 1970s.
He is a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Below is an excerpt from the Basketball Hall of Fame:
“To say that Lou Hudson was just a brilliant offensive weapon, or just a natural scorer, would be to diminish the skill and grace that set him apart from his contemporaries. ‘Sweet Lou’ could funnel in points from all over the floor, but no shot was more beautiful to watch than his effortless 15-foot jumper. Hudson perfected the shot to become one of the most lethal and efficient scorers of his era.”
He died in April 2014.
(Original Caption) Pontiac, Mich.: Kansas Coach Larry Brown hugs Danny Menning after Kansas defeated Kansas State 71-58, to advance to the “Final Four”. Manning was named Most Outstanding Player of NCAA regional final series.
Danny Manning: Page High
Danny Manning is an NCAA Champion, a two-time NBA All-Star and an NBA Sixth Man of the Year.
Manning was also the head coach of Wake Forest from 2014 to 2020.
He currently serves as an assistant coach at the University of Colorado.
Charlie Sanders, tight end for the Detroit Lions. (Getty Images)
Charlie Sanders: Dudley High
Charlie Sanders is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, NFL 1970s All-Decade Team member, Pride of the Lions and the Detroit Lions All-Time Team.
ATLANTA, UNITED STATES: St. Louis Rams wide receiver Torry Holt holds the ball in celebration of his touchdown catch during second half action in Super Bowl XXXIV at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA 30 January 2000. (ELECTRONIC IMAGE) AFP PHOTO/Tony RANZE (Photo credit should read TONY RANZE/AFP via Getty Images)
Torry Holt: Eastern Guilford High
Torry Holt is a Super Bowl champion, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, a two-time receiving yards leader and a member of the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team.
Holt’s No. 81 jersey is also retired at NC State University, where he starred for four seasons.
Holt was one of the most dynamic players of the 2000s and played a significant role in the St. Louis Rams and their “Greatest Show on Turf” offense that powered them to a Super Bowl victory.
Holt is also a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.
He finished his NFL career with 13,382 yards receiving. Many experts believe he should be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame as well.
Keenan Allen: Northern Guilford High
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 16: Keenan Allen #13 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at SoFi Stadium on December 16, 2021, in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Keenan Allen is a five-time Pro Bowl selection and has accumulated nearly 10,000 yards receiving in his NFL career.
Born and raised in Greensboro, Allen was a transcendent superstar for the Nighthawks before committing to the University of California and going on to become a star for the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers.
Allen played safety in high school and was a 5-star recruit, according to 247Sports. He was the number-one-ranked player in North Carolina as well.
Allen is currently a free agent and last played for the Chicago Bears.
NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 30: Hendon Hooker #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers drops back to pass against the Purdue Boilermakers during the first half of the TransPerfect Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium on December 30, 2021, in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
Hendon Hooker: Dudley High
Hendon Hooker is one of the greatest players in the history of the University of Tennessee football.
Hooker won SEC Offensive Player of the Year in 2022. He was selected in the Third Round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions
Doug Williams #17, Quarterback for the Washington Redskins calls the play on the line of scrimmage as Center #53 Jeff Bostic prepares to snap the football during the National Football Conference East Division game against the Phoenix Cardinals on 3rd December 1989 at the Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona, United States. The Redskins won the game 29 – 10. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Allsport/Getty Images)
Jeff Bostic: Smith High
Jeff Bostic is a three-time Super Bowl champion, a Pro Bowler, one of the 80 Greatest Redskins of all time and a member of the Washington Commanders Ring of Fame.
Before racking up those accolades, Bostic attended Smith High School before going on to star at Clemson University and the NFL.
Bostic was a stabilizing force in the middle of the offensive line for Joe Gibbs’ legendary teams of the 80s.
His brother Joe Bostic also attended Smith and had a nine-year career with the St. Louis/Phoenix Cardinals.
Bostic is also a member of the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame.
Bostic’s legacy is entrenched in NFL history as a key cog in “The Hogs,” one of the greatest offensive lines in the history of football.
John Isner (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
John Isner: Page High
Josh Isner is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, servers in the history of professional tennis.
Isner now holds the record for most aces in the history of the ATP Tour as well as the fastest serve.
He played in his final match on Sept. 1, 2023, in the US Open before retiring.
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 25: Arizona Cardinals executive Adrian Wilson before the NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at State Farm Stadium on December 25, 2022, in Glendale, Arizona. The Buccaneers defeated the Cardinals 19-16 in overtime. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Adrian Wilson: Andrews High
Adrian Wilson is a five-time Pro Bowl selection, a three-time All-Pro and a member of the Arizona Cardinals Ring of Honor.
Wilson has also served as a front office executive with the Cardinals and the Carolina Panthers.
CHAPEL HILL, NC – OCTOBER 27: David Amerson #1 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack dives to bring down A.J.Blue #15 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during play at Kenan Stadium on October 27, 2012, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
David Amerson: Dudley High
David Amerson is one of the greatest players in the history of NC State Football and had a successful five-year NFL career as well.
Amerson set an ACC record for interceptions in a season with 13 in his sophomore year at NC State.
Haywood Jeffires: Page High
OCTOBER 15: Receiver Haywood Jeffires #84 of the Houston Oilers catches the ball during an NFL game on October 15, 1989, against the Chicago Bears. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
Haywood Jeffires is a three-time Pro Bowl selection, a one-time All-Pro and an NFL receptions leader.
He then took his talents to NC State before spending the prime of his NFL career with the Houston Oilers after being taken with the 20th overall pick in the 1987 NFL Draft.
Charlotte Hornets President Fred Whitfield
Fred Whitfield: SE Guilford High
Fred Whitfield was the COO and president of the Charlotte Hornets and the right-hand man of former Charlotte Hornets governor Michael Jordan.
Before that, he was born in Greensboro and starred for the Falcons basketball team.
“It provided me literally every opportunity that I’ve had in my life,” Whitfield said of his time at Southeast Guilford.
(Original Caption) Boston: Lakers owner Jerry Buss (C) proudly displays the Larry O’ Brien NBA World Championship trophy presented to him and the team after they defeated the Boston Celtics 111-100 for the victory at the Boston Garden, (June 9th). Lakers won the best-of-seven series 4-2. Flanking him are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (L) and Bob McAdoo (R).
Bob McAdoo: Smith High
Bob McAdoo is an NBA champion, Basketball Hall of Famer and five-time NBA All-Star.
McAdoo has also won multiple championships in international basketball play and won three championships as an assistant coach with the Miami Heat.
Honorable Mentions:
- Terrence Holt: Eastern Guilford High
- The brother of Torry Holt played five seasons in the NFL
DETROIT – 2006: Terrence Holt of the Detroit Lions poses for his 2006 NFL headshot at photo day in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Getty Images)
- Eric Ebron: Smith High
- Star tight end at UNC, number 10 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 08: Eric Ebron #85 of the Pittsburgh Steelers leaps over Saivion Smith #32 of the Dallas Cowboys during the second half at AT&T Stadium on November 08, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
- Vince Evans: Smith High
- Won the Rose Bowl as USC’s quarterback, 14-year NFL career
WASHINGTON, D.C. – DECEMBER 26: Quarterback Vince Evans #11 of the Los Angeles Raiders rolls out to pass against the Washington Redskins at RFK Stadium on December 26, 1992 in Washington, D.C. The Raiders defeated the Redskins 21-20. (Photo by Joseph Patronite/Getty Images)
- Ethan ‘The Red Snapper” Albright: Grimsley High
- Pro Bowl NFL long snapper, formerly the athletic director at Grimsley
NASHVILLE, TN – AUGUST 11: Ethan Albright #67 of the Washington Redskins during warmups before a preseason game on August 11, 2007 at LP Field in Nashville, Tennessee. The Redskins beat the Titans 14-6. (Photo by Joe Murphy/Getty Images)
- Zach Maynard: Grimsley High
- Brother of Keenan Allen; played quarterback for Cal
BERKELEY, CA – NOVEMBER 02: Zach Maynard #15 of the California Golden Bears passes the ball against the Washington Huskies at California Memorial Stadium on November 2, 2012, in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
- D.J. Reader: Grimsley High
- Detroit Lions defensive lineman; played in Super Bowl LVI
SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 30: Detroit Lions defensive tackle DJ Reader (98) looks on during warmups before an NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers on December 30, 2024 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. (Photo by Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
- Aaron Wiggins: Grimsley High
- Guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder; won the NBA championship in 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – FEBRUARY 01: Aaron Wiggins #21 of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrates after having a career-high 41 points against the Sacramento Kings at Paycom Center on February 1, 2025, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
- Heather Bergsma: High Point Central High
- Gold medalist speed skater
GANGNEUNG, SOUTH KOREA – FEBRUARY 24: Heather Bergsma of the United States competes during the Ladies’ Speed Skating Mass Start Semifinal 2 on day 15 of the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic Games at Gangneung Oval on February 24, 2018, in Gangneung, South Korea. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
- Germaine Pratt: High Point Central High
- Las Vegas Raiders linebacker; played in Super Bowl LVI
CINCINNATI, OHIO – JANUARY 07: Logan Wilson #55 of the Cincinnati Bengals makes an interception in the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium on January 07, 2024, in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
- Tony Shaver: High Point Central High
- Played for Dean Smith at UNC; 584 career wins as a head coach in college
TOWSON, MD – FEBRUARY 28: Head coach Tony Shaver of the William & Mary Tribe reacts to a call during a college basketball game against the Towson Tigers at the SECU Arena on February 28, 2019, in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
- Tom Alston: Dudley High
- St. Louis Cardinals first baseman; first African-American player in team history
(Original Caption) Bob Tauman, trainer for the St. Louis Cardinals and an assistant professor at St. Louis University during the winter, gives Tom Alston, Cardinal 1st baseman, a treatment with an ultra-sonic machine. Bauman, a trainer in professional baseball for 21 years, was the first trainer to use the ultrasonic treatment. (Getty Images)
- Joey Cheek: Dudley High
- Olympic gold medalist speed skater
Joey Cheek of the United States in action during the Men’s Speed Skating 500 M race in the 2006 Olympic Games at the Oval Lingotto in Torino, Italy on February 13, 2006. (Photo by S. Levin/Getty Images)
- Jeff Davis: Dudley High
- Won national championship in 1982 with Clemson; College Football Hall of Famer
College Football: Orange Bowl: Clemson Jeff Davis (45) and Andy Headen (12) were victorious during game vs Nebraska at Miami Orange Bowl. Miami, FL 1/1/1982 CREDIT: Heinz Kluetmeier (Photo by Heinz Kluetmeier /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (Set Number: X26410 )
- P.J. Hairston: Dudley High
- Starred at UNC for three seasons; Charlotte Hornets first round draft pick
North Carolina freshman P.J. Hairston (15) reacts after hitting a three-point shot during the first half of an exhibition game against UNC-Pembroke. UNC defeated UNC-Pembroke, 100-58, at the Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Friday, October 28, 2011. (Robert Willett/Raleigh News & Observer/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
- Will Graves: Dudley High
- Won a national championship with UNC in 2008; overseas basketball star
DURHAM, NC – MARCH 06: Will Graves #13 of the North Carolina Tar Heels tries to throw the ball in bounds against the Duke Blue Devils during their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on March 6, 2010, in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
- Brendan Haywood: Dudley High
- 4-year star at UNC; 14-year NBA veteran center, color commentator
MIAMI, FL – MAY 31: Chris Bosh #1 of the Miami Heat shoots over Brendan Haywood #33 of the Dallas Mavericks in the second half in Game One of the 2011 NBA Finals at American Airlines Arena on May 31, 2011, in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
- Emmanuel Moseley: Dudley High
- Cornerback who played for the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 16: Emmanuel Moseley #4 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates against the Dallas Cowboys after an NFL wild-card playoff football game at AT&T Stadium on January 16, 2022, in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
- Mitch Atkins: Northeast Guilford High
- Former MLB pitcher; played for High Point Rockers
ARLINGTON, TX – JULY 05: Mitch Atkins #39 of the Baltimore Orioles throws a pitch against the Baltimore Orioles at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on July 5, 2011, in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Rick Yeatts/Getty Images)
- Jaylin Davis: Northeast Guilford High
- Former MLB outfielder
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – AUGUST 06: Jaylin Davis of the Boston Red Sox catches a ball hit by Michael A. Taylor of the Kansas City Royals in the second inning at Kauffman Stadium on August 06, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
- Elissa Cunane: Northern Guilford High
- NC State star, selected in the 2022 WNBA Draft; currently playing overseas
BRIDGEPORT, CONNECTICUT – MARCH 28: Elissa Cunane #33 of the NC State Wolfpack tries to get past Olivia Nelson-Ododa #20 of the UConn Huskies during the NCAA Elite Eight game at Total Mortgage Arena on March 28, 2022, in Bridgeport, Connecticut. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
- T.J. Logan: Northern Guilford High
- UNC running back; won Super Bowl LV with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
CHAPEL HILL, NC – OCTOBER 18: T.J. Logan #8 of the North Carolina Tar Heels celebrates after scoring the game-winning touchdown against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the fourth quarter of their game at Kenan Stadium on October 18, 2014 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina won 48-43. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
- Scott Houston: Northwest Guilford High
- Champion pole vaulter
EUGENE, OREGON – JUNE 21: Scott Houston competes in the Men’s Pole Vault Final during day four of the 2020 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials at Hayward Field on June 21, 2021, in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
- Rusty LaRue: Northwest Guilford High
- Won a championship with Michael Jordan’s Bulls in 1998; two-sport Wake Forest star; currently COO of Dairi-O
30 Sep 1995: Quarterback Rusty LaRue of Wake Forest hands the football off during a 35-17 loss to the University of Virginia at Scott Stadium in Virginia. Mandatory Credit: Doug Pensinger/Allsport
- Mark Dixon: Ragsdale High
- Canadian Football League champion; jersey retired by the University of Virginia
- Siri Mullinix: Ragsdale High
- 2-time National champion in soccer with UNC; currently an assistant coach at Clemson
6 Dec 2000: Goal Keeper Siri Mullinix of the Washington Freedom dives for the ball as they promote the new WUSA Soccer League at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida.Mandatory Credit: Andy Lyons /Allsport
- Larry Ogunjobi: Ragsdale High
- Defensive linemen with the Buffalo Bills
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 06: Larry Ogunjobi #99 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates with teammates after a fumble recovery in the second quarter of a game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2024, in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
- Kasey Redfern: Ragsdale High
- Former NFL punter
ORCHARD PARK, NY – AUGUST 31: Kasey Redfern #2 of the Detroit Lions punts the ball during the preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on August 31, 2017, at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. Buffalo defeated Detroit 27-17. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
- Eugene Godsoe: Southeast Guilford High
- PAC-10 Swimmer of the Year
Eugene Godsoe of the US starts in a heat of the men’s 200m backstroke at the Swimming World Cup short-course series in Tokyo on October 29, 2014. AFP PHOTO / KAZUHIRO NOGI (Photo credit should read KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP via Getty Images)
- Jake Smith: Southern Guilford High
- Johnny Bench award-winning baseball player at ECU
- Cheyenne Parker-Tyus: Southwest Guilford High
- Starred at HPU; selected with the 5th pick in the 2015 WNBA Draft; currently plays for Las Vegas Aces
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MAY 08: Digital Edge Media Group owner Rob Depew and 3 Point Productions film Cheyenne Parker-Tyus #32 of the Las Vegas Aces for an in-arena intro video for the upcoming season’s home games during the team’s media day at Vu Studios on May 08, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
- Eddie Pope: Southwest Guilford High
- USMNT soccer player; starred at UNC, director of Carolina Core FC in High Point
7 Oct 2001: Eddie Pope #23 of the USA intercepts the ball intended for Robert Scarlett #24 of Jamaica during the World Cup Qualification game at the Foxboro Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The USA defeated Jamacia 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Al Bello /Allsport
- Clyde Simms: Southwest Guilford High
- USMNT soccer player
WASHINGTON – MAY 5: Clyde Simms #19 of D.C. United controls the ball against the Kansas City Wizards at RFK Stadium on May 5, 2010, in Washington, DC. D.C. United won 2-1. (Photo by Ned Dishman/Getty Images)
- Brian Williams: Southwest Guilford
- NC State cornerback; nine-year NFL career
GREEN BAY, WI – SEPTEMBER 7: Tackle Chad Clifton #76 of the Green Bay Packers chases cornerback Brian Williams #29 of the Minnesota Vikings after Williams intercepted a pass in the end zone during the second quarter of a game at Lambeau Field on September 7, 2003, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Vikings defeated the Packers 30-25. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
- Ted Brown: Andrews High
- College Football Hall of Fame running back; No. 23 jersey retired by NC State
WASHINGTON, D.C. – JANUARY 15: Ted Brown #23 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball during the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Washington Redskins on January 15, l983 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Ronald C. Modra/Getty Images)
- Marcus Gilchrist: Andrews High
- NFL safety; played nine years in the league
SAN DIEGO, CA – OCTOBER 02: Cornerback Marcus Gilchrist #38 of the San Diego Chargers celebrates after his first quarter interception against the Miami Dolphins at Qualcomm Stadium on October 2, 2011, in San Diego, California. The Chargers won 26-16. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
- William Hayes: Andrews High
- 10-year NFL defensive end; attended Winston-Salem State
CHICAGO – NOVEMBER 09: Rex Grossman #8 of the Chicago Bears throws a pass against William Hayes #95 of the Tennessee Titans at Soldier Field on November 9, 2008, in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
- Jeremy Harris: Page High
- Professional basketball player; led Page to the 2014 state tournament
SYRACUSE, NY – DECEMBER 19: Jeremy Harris #2 of the Buffalo Bulls drives to the basket along the baseline as Oshae Brissett #11 of the Syracuse Orange defends during the first half at the Carrier Dome on December 19, 2017, in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
- Paris Kea: Page High
- Starred at UNC from 2016-19; was selected in WNBA Draft; former member of the Wake Forest basketball staff
PALMETTO, FLORIDA – AUGUST 29: Paris Kea #22 of the New York Liberty dribbles during the first half of a game against the Las Vegas Aces at Feld Entertainment Center on August 29, 2020 in Palmetto, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
- Stan Lane: Page High
- A professional wrestler who was trained by Ric Flair
- Javon Leake: Page High
- Starred at the University of Maryland as a running back and kick returner; CFL champion
TORONTO, CANADA – NOVEMBER 11: Javon Leake #32 of the Toronto Argonauts tries to break a tackle from Tyrell Richards #42 of the Montreal Alouettes on a kick return during the first half of the CFL Eastern Final at BMO Field on November 11, 2023, in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by John E. Sokolowski/Getty Images)
- Lee Rouson: Page High
- Two-time Super Bowl champion with the New York Giants in the 80s
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – SEPTEMBER 30: Lee Rouson #22 of the New York Giants carries the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL Football game on September 30, 1990, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Rouson played for the Giants from 1985-91. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
- Lisa Stockton: Western Guilford High
- Longtime women’s college basketball coach with over 600 career wins
UNCASVILLE, CT – MARCH 07: Tulane Green Wave head coach Lisa Stockton during the women’s American Athletic Conference Tournament game between Tulane Green Wave and USF Bulls on March 7, 2020, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. (Photo by M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
- DeMario Pressley: Dudley High
- NC State defensive tackle; won Super Bowl XLIV as a member of the New Orleans Saints
NEW ORLEANS – AUGUST 27: DeMario Pressley #90 of the New Orleans Saints in action against the San Diego Chargers at the Louisiana Superdome on August 27, 2010, in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
- Tony Baker: Andrews High
- ECU running back; drafted by the Atlanta Falcons and played in the World League of American Football
- Toney Baker: Ragsdale High
- Running back, son of Tony Baker; inducted into the Guilford County Sports Hall of Fame with his father
N.C. State’s Toney Baker (22) works to grind out yardage against Clemson during the game between North Carolina State and the Clemson Tigers at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina on November 11, 2006. Clemson defeated N.C. State 20-14. (Photo by Rex Brown/WireImage)
- Greg Jeffries: Andrews High
- Played safety in the NFL for 7 years; starred at Virginia
MIAMI: Miami Dolphins’ cornerback Jerry Wilson (C) celebrates with teammates Sam Madison (L) and Greg Jeffries (R) his interception of a pass by Buffalo Bills’ quarterback Doug Flutie during the last few minutes of their game 08 October 2000 at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Florida. The Dolphins won 22-13. AFP PHOTO/RHONA WISE (Photo credit should read RHONA WISE/AFP via Getty Images)
