Dragons Pride: 5 Unforgettable Athletes From Johnston High School

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

1. Jack Dreyer – MLB Pitcher (Los Angeles Dodgers)

Johnston High alum Jack Dreyer continued his baseball career at the collegiate level with the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Harwich Mariners. He was signed as a free agent with the Los Angeles Dodgers, making his post-season debut in 2025 during the World Series. (Sources: High School on SI - Sports Illustrated, ESPN)

2. Reid Sinnett – Professional Quarterback (Madrid Bravos)

After playing at Johnston High School and later the University of San Diego, Reid Sinnett pursued a professional football career. After training with several teams in the NFL, Sinnett went onto the European leagues, enjoying a record-setting season with the Madrid Bravos before announcing his retirement. (Sources: NFL, European League of Football, Local 12)

3. Elvir Ibisevic – National & International Soccer Player

Former Dragon Elvir Ibisevic continued his soccer development at the University of Nebraska Omaha, where he was a key contributor for the Mavericks’ men’s soccer team. After college, he signed with Union Omaha of USL League One, beginning his professional career in the United States. He later took his talents to Europe, earning a debut with the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team. (Sources: Transfermarket.us, Des Moines Register)

4. Rachel Gowey – NCAA Champion Gymnast & Olympics Trials Competitor

During her time at Johnston High School, Rachel Gowey qualified for and competed in the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials, placing her among the nation’s top gymnasts at the senior level. She continued her elite collegiate gymnastics career at the University of Florida, where she became an NCAA national champion and earned multiple All-American honors as part of the Gators’ dominant program. (Sources: University of Florida Athletics)

5. Sammy Smith – NASCAR Driver

Sammy Smith emerged as a standout young driver while still at Johnston High, earning national attention through victories and top finishes in elite stock car series. He went on to continue that success professionally, competing in NASCAR’s national series and establishing himself as one of the sport’s rising talents. (Sources: NASCAR, SammySmith.us)

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