Hi-Tide Pride: 5 Unforgettable Athletes From Miami Beach Senior High School

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

1. Chad Johnson – NFL Superstar and Pro Bowl Wide Receiver

Better known by his nickname “Ochocinco,” Chad Johnson emerged from Miami Beach Senior High as a record-setting wide receiver and one of the NFL’s most dynamic personalities. After catching 118 passes in high school, he played college ball at Santa Monica College and Oregon State before being drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2001. A six-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro, Johnson played 11 NFL seasons, spent a year with the CFL’s Montreal Alouettes, and even suited up for a team in Mexico’s LFA. Off the field, he was a social media pioneer, ranked CNBC’s No. 1 most influential athlete in 2011. (Sources: ESPN, Pro Football Reference)

2. Norman Smiley – International Wrestling Champion and WWE Trainer

Before becoming a WCW Hardcore Champion and longtime WWE trainer, Norman Smiley was a standout wrestler and powerlifter at Miami Beach Senior High, graduating in 1984. Smiley competed internationally in Japan and Mexico before making his name in the U.S. with World Championship Wrestling, where he became known for his comic persona and “Big Wiggle” dance. Now a respected trainer for WWE’s NXT brand, Smiley remains a beloved figure in professional wrestling. (Sources: WWE, WCW Archive)

3. Kennedy Kelly – Collegiate Soccer Defender

A two-year varsity starter at Miami Beach Senior High, Kennedy Kelly excelled as a defender with Florida United and other South Florida club teams. Known for her versatility and leadership, she balanced sports with strong academics, eventually committing to Brevard College. Now a sophomore majoring in Health Science, Kelly plays defense for the Tornados' women’s soccer team. (Sources: NCSA Sports, Brevard College)

4. Dave Thomas – Super Bowl Champion and NFL Defensive Back

A Super Bowl XXVIII champion with the Dallas Cowboys, Dave Thomas started his athletic journey at Miami Beach Senior High, where he earned third-team All-American honors. Despite a nontraditional path that included junior college and a redshirt senior year at Tennessee, Thomas went on to play 130 NFL games with the Cowboys, Jaguars, and Giants. He was a versatile defensive back and special teams contributor who helped Jacksonville and New York reach the playoffs during his tenure. (Sources: Tennessee Sports, ESPN)

5. Chanel Garcia – Collegiate Volleyball Libero

Chanel Garcia was a three-year varsity starter for Miami Beach and an elite travel player with clubs including Tribe and Wildfire Volleyball. A skilled libero and defensive specialist, Garcia brought energy and leadership both on and off the court. She now plays at Johnson & Wales University–Charlotte, where she appeared in 33 matches as a freshman and ranks among the team leaders in digs. (Sources: NCSA Sports, JWU Charlotte Athletics)

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