Tiger Pride: 5 Unforgettable Athletes From Valley High School

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

Dominique Dafney – NFL Fullback/Tight End

After his time at Valley High School, Dominique Dafney played college football at Iowa and Indiana State before entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2020. He signed with the Indianapolis Colts, spent multiple seasons with the Green Bay Packers — where he recorded his first touchdown and fours catches for 60 yards — and later had stints with the Denver Broncos, a second practice squad stint with the Colts, a contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and a reserve/futures deal with the Carolina Panthers. (Sources: Go Sycamores, ESPN, Pro Football Reference)

Le Ann (Hiddleson) Finger – Golf Leader & PGA/LPGA Professional

Valley High School alum Le Ann (Hiddleson) Finger built a career in golf leadership and player development, becoming the Director of Tournaments and Player Development for the Arizona Golf Association. A PGA Certified Professional in Player Development, she is also one of a small group of women nationwide who hold both PGA of America membership and LPGA Class A Professional status, reflecting elite credentials in the sport. (Sources: Desert Mountain, Valley High School Hall of Honor)

Justin Hartwig – NFL Center & Collegiate Coach

Former Tiger Justin Hartwig had a long NFL career after starring on the offensive line at the University of Kansas. He was drafted in the sixth round of the 2002 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans, went on to play for the Carolina Panthers, and later anchored the offensive line for the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he won Super Bowl XLIII. Following his playing days, Hartwig transitioned into coaching and joined the Grove City College staff as an assistant offensive line coach for the 2025 season. (Sources: Patch, Grove City College)

Dan Jennings – MLB Pitcher

Valley High alum Dan Jennings enjoyed an eight-season Major League Baseball pitching career after being drafted out of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He pitched for several MLB clubs, including the Miami Marlins, Chicago White Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, Milwaukee Brewers, and Washington Nationals, compiling 390 appearances and a 3.10 career ERA. After retiring in 2019, Jennings stayed connected to his community and later transitioned into business, including local ventures in the Des Moines area. (Sources: Baseball Reference, Des Moines Register, Rude Realty)

Hallie Yates – Tournament-Winning Golfer & Competitive Swimmer

A notable student-athlete out of Valley High, Hallie Yates was named the Des Moines Register’s Female Athlete of the Week after a standout stretch on the golf course. She won the Toni Dickey Invitational with a score of 78 and also took first in a triangular meet by shooting 38 over nine holes. Yates has also competed in swimming, posting verified event times across multiple relays and individual races during the 2022–23 season, underscoring her multi-sport success. (Sources: Swimcloud, Des Moines Register)

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