Dolphin Pride: 5 Unforgettable Athletes From Whitney M. Young Magnet High School

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

1. Katrina Adams – Collegiate Tennis Star

A notable Dolphin, Adams dominated the tennis courts at Whitney M. Young Magnet High School and had the honor of becoming the first Chicago Public School and first African-American singles champion in Illinois high school tennis. She later attended Northwestern University and won an NCAA doubles title. Adams soon began a spectacular 12-year tennis career, winning many doubles titles before becoming president and CEO of the United States Tennis Association. Today, she leads diversity and inclusion efforts in tennis, serves on the board of directors at the International Tennis Hall of Fame and even has a tennis court named after her at the high school where it all began. (Sources: usta.com, cbsnews.com, tennisfame.com)

2. Dominique Canty – WNBA Player (Detroit Shock, Houston Comets, Chicago Sky, Washington Mystics)

Canty proudly donned the navy blue and orange, thrived on the basketball court and was praised for her jumping abilities, leading her team to numerous victories. She later attended the University of Alabama, where she continued to excel in basketball, becoming the team’s all-time leading scorer. Canty began a successful basketball career, playing on multiple teams before joining the Washington Mystics. (Sources: chicagotribune.com,si.com, rolltide.com)

3. Arlene Limas – Taekwondo Olympian (Team USA)

A proud Dolphin, Arlene Limas not only excelled in martial arts but in her schooling, too. She then attended DePaul University, majoring in political science with a minor in athletic training. In 1988, Limas made history when she became the first American and the first woman to win a gold medal in taekwondo at the 24th Olympic Games in Seoul. She eventually started her own martial arts school and is an advocate for a healthier work culture and personal safety. (Sources: paveprevention.com, usadojo.com, lacancha.com)

4. Jahil Okafor – NBA Player (Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, New Orleans Pelicans, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Levanga Hokkaido)

Okafor dominated the basketball court while proudly donning navy blue and orange and leading his team to several championship games. He later attended Duke University, where he helped the basketball team win a national championship. After graduation, Okafor spent three seasons with the 76ers before moving to the Brooklyn Nets, New Orleans Pelicans and the Detroit Pistons, along with numerous other teams. Today, Okafor plays for Levanga Hokkaido in Japan. (Sources: espn.com, sports.yahoo.com, espn.com)

5. Russell Maryland – NFL Defensive Lineman (Dallas Cowboys, Oakland Raiders, Green Bay Packers)

Even though he excelled at football, Maryland was a lightly recruited prospect, which led him to accept the University of Miami as his only major offer. In Miami, Maryland helped his team win two national championships, and in 1991, he made history as the first overall selection in the NFL Draft, being chosen by the Dallas Cowboys. Maryland helped the Cowboys win three Super Bowl titles in his four years with them before going on to play for the Oakland Raiders and the Green Bay Packers. Today, he resides in Texas, where he is active in youth mentorship and diversity programs. (Sources: chicagolandsportshalloffame.com, nfl.com, usatoday.com)

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