Little Cyclones Pride: 5 Unforgettable Athletes From Ames High School

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

Harrison Barnes – NBA Forward & Olympic Gold Medalist

Ames High School alumnus Harrison Barnes became one of the most accomplished basketball players to come out of Iowa, starring collegiately at the University of North Carolina before being selected 7th overall in the 2012 NBA Draft. He has had a long NBA career as a versatile forward with teams including the Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings, and currently plays for the San Antonio Spurs. Barnes also represented the United States internationally, earning Olympic gold as part of Team USA at the Tokyo Games. (Sources: USA Basketball, ESPN, NBA)

Caroline Waite – Division 1 Collegiate Basketball Player

Ames High School alumna Caroline Waite continued her basketball career at the collegiate level, beginning at Bradley University where she contributed as a guard in Missouri Valley Conference play. She later transferred to Illinois State University, where she continued to compete at the NCAA Division I level in the same conference, bringing consistent scoring and leadership to both programs throughout her college career. (Sources: Bradley Braves, Go Redbirds, ESPN)

Fred Hoiberg – NBA Shooting Guard & Top Collegiate Coach

Ames High School alumnus Fred Hoiberg had a standout college career at Iowa State University before playing in the NBA as a shooting guard with the Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls, and other teams. After his playing career, he transitioned into coaching and returned to his alma mater as head coach of Iowa State men’s basketball, leading the program across multiple seasons. (Sources: Iowa State Cyclones)

Lexa Rozevink – High School Wrestling Standout

While competing for Ames High School, Lexa Rozevink became one of the program’s most accomplished wrestlers, achieving 100 career wins — a milestone that places her among the most successful girl wrestlers in school history. Her achievements at state tournaments and on the mats reflect strength, dedication and historic performance for a female wrestler within the Iowa wrestling community. (Sources: Ames Community School District, Ames High Web, FloWrestling)

Doug McDermott – NBA Forward & Scoring Star

Ames High School alumnus Doug McDermott built a nationally renowned basketball career that began at Creighton University, where he became one of the most prolific scorers in NCAA history, earning National Player of the Year honors. He was drafted in the first round of the NBA Draft and has had a long professional career as a scoring forward with teams including the Chicago Bulls, Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs, gaining recognition for his shooting and offensive efficiency. (Sources: NBA, Ames Community School District)

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