5 Super Athletes With Ties To Lakewood

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Lakewood area, these values have shaped some truly remarkable athletes from different eras, whose accomplishments continue to inspire.

Patch has teamed up with T-Mobile to spotlight five standout athletes whose achievements have left a lasting mark on our community. While this list is just a snapshot, there are countless others who have helped shape the rich sports culture in our area.

1. Kenzie Middleton (Softball)

Kenzie Middleton, a softball player from Lakewood, is making history with her remarkable accomplishments on and off the field. A standout at Colorado Christian University, she became the first athlete in CCU history to be named a 2023 Sportswoman of Colorado Honoree by the Sportswomen of Colorado organization. Middleton’s accolades include being named an All-American by two softball associations, Academic All-American honors, RMAC Player of the Year, and numerous school records. Her dedication, grit, and passion have not only earned her this prestigious recognition but also cemented her legacy as an inspiring athlete for future generations. Middleton is currently a softball assistant coach at Colorado Christian University.

2. Mike Gann (Football)

Former NFL defensive lineman Mike Gann built a distinguished nine-season career with the Atlanta Falcons. Born in Stillwater, OK, he grew up in Lakewood and honed his skills at Lakewood High School before excelling at Notre Dame, earning second-team All-American honors. Drafted in the second round of the 1985 NFL Draft, Gann became a cornerstone of the Falcons’ defense, starting 117 of 118 games and recording 23.5 sacks, 11 fumble recoveries, and a memorable rookie touchdown.

3. Jeff Fosnes (Basketball)

A basketball standout raised in Lakewood, Jeff Fosnes excelled on the court at Wheat Ridge High School and Vanderbilt University. Regarded as one of Colorado’s greatest prep players, he earned Sunkist High School All-American honors in 1972. At Vanderbilt, Fosnes was pivotal in the Commodores' 1974 SEC Championship run and became the university’s first Academic All-American, a title he earned twice. He finished his collegiate career with 1,579 points, ranking among Vanderbilt’s all-time scoring leaders, and was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 1976. Fosnes ultimately opted to pursue a medical career instead of the NBA.

4. Jeb Brovsky (Sport)

Jeb Brovsky, a professional soccer player hailing from Lakewood, made his mark in Major League Soccer (MLS) and beyond. A standout at Green Mountain High School and with the Colorado Rush youth program, Brovsky excelled at Notre Dame, becoming one of the Big East Conference’s top players. Drafted 19th overall in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft by Vancouver Whitecaps FC, he later played for the Montreal Impact and became New York City FC’s second-ever signing, including a loan stint with Strømsgodset in Norway.

5. Nicole Hensley (Ice Hockey)

Standout goaltender and Lakewood native Nicole Hensley made her mark in professional and international ice hockey. Currently playing for the Minnesota Frost in the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL), Hensley has been a key member of the United States women’s national ice hockey team. Hensley’s accomplishments include a gold medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics, where she earned a shutout win against the Russian team and a critical role in Team USA’s 2017 IIHF Women’s World Championship victory. Drafted as the first goaltender in the 2023 PWHL Draft, she continues to excel at the professional level. Hensley is a trailblazer in women’s hockey.

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