Dreadnaught Pride: 5 Unforgettable Athletes From Lakeland Senior High School

Sports run deep in Lakeland, and Lakeland Senior High School has long been at the heart of it. It’s no surprise some standout talent once wore the Dreadnaught uniform. Today we're celebrating five unforgettable athletes from Lakeland Senior High School who made a name for themselves well beyond the hometown field.

1. Maurkice Pouncey – NFL Offensive Lineman (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pouncey is one of the most accomplished centers in modern NFL history. A standout lineman at Lakeland Senior High School, Pouncey helped lead his team to multiple state and national championships before playing college football at the University of Florida. There, he was a consensus All‑American, won the Rimington Trophy as the nation’s top center and was part of the Gators’ 2008 BCS National Championship team. Pouncey was selected in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers and became an immediate anchor on their offensive line. Over an 11‑year NFL career, he started every game he played, was named to nine Pro Bowls, earned multiple All‑Pro honors and was named to the NFL All‑Decade Team for the 2010s. Following his retirement, Pouncey was inducted into the Steelers Hall of Honor as a generational offensive lineman. (Sources: Steelers, Florida Gators)

2. Mike Pouncey – NFL Lineman (Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers)

Mike Pouncey is the twin brother of Maurkice Pouncey and also a former NFL center who played at Lakeland Senior High School and the University of Florida. Mike was part of the 2009 BCS National Championship team and earned All‑American honors. Mike was selected 15th overall in the 2011 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. During his nine‑year NFL career, he was named to four Pro Bowls and selected to the NFL All‑Rookie Team. He played a short stint for the Los Angeles Chargers before signing a one‑day contract to retire as a Dolphin, acknowledging the impact the franchise had on his career. (Sources: Florida Gators, ESPN)

3. Lee Janzen – PGA Golfer

Janzen is a professional golfer best known for winning two U.S. Open Championships in 1993 and 1998. Janzen was a member of the Lakeland Golf team before a historic career at Florida Southern, winning the 1986 NCAA Individual National Championship, a three-time All-American selection and a member of the Sunshine State Conference Hall of Fame. Janzen has since been inducted into the Florida Southern Hall of Fame. Janzen later continued his career on the PGA Tour Champions (the senior tour), competing at a high level against other major champions and legends of the game well into his 50s. (Sources: FSCMOCS, PGATour)

4. Analiese Raath – Collegiate Golfer

Raath is a multi-sport standout from Lakeland Senior High School, best known as a dual-threat athlete who excels in both lacrosse and golf. During her time at Lakeland, Raath emerged as one of the program’s most reliable and versatile athletes, earning recognition through consistent performance and leadership. As a member of the Lakeland golf team, she won several big events, including District Championships, Regional Championships and County Championships. While also named the two-time County Golfer of the Year. She continued her career at Daytona State College and Mercer University, where she remained a NJCAA National Champion with Daytona and placed high in several tournaments at Mercer. (Sources: Mercer Bears)

5. Drew Hutchinson – MLB Pitcher (Toronto Blue Jays)

Hutchison is a professional baseball pitcher from Lakeland High School who the Toronto Blue Jays selected in the 15th round of the 2009 MLB Draft. Hutchinson excelled in high school and skipped collegiate baseball to pursue a professional career. Hutchison made his MLB debut on April 21, 2012, and has pitched for multiple clubs over the course of his major league career. He was well regarded for his potential, being one of the youngest Opening Day starters inToronto Blue Jays history. Over seven seasons in the MLB, Drew posted a winning record and demonstrated his adaptability as a starter and reliever. He also spent time in the minor leagues and independent leagues, last seen playing in the Mexican League for the Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos. (Sources: MLB)

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.