Dreadnaughts Pride: 5 Unforgettable Athletes From Dexter High School

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

Abby Tamer – U.S. Women’s National Field Hockey Star & Olympian

Abby Tamer began playing field hockey in seventh grade simply because her mother needed more players for the local program. Today, she’s one of the most decorated young players in American field hockey. A multi-time All-American and Big Ten Champion at the University of Michigan, this Dexter High grad represented Team USA on both junior and senior national squads and earned MVP honors at the 2023 Junior Pan American Championship. Tamer helped lead the U.S. to a ninth-place finish at the 2024 Olympic Games and continues to build her legacy as both a scholar and athlete. (Source: USA Field Hockey)

Blake Sislo – Record-Setting Football Kicker

Blake Sislo’s collegiate football career didn’t feature much time under the lights, but he left a mark through quiet perseverance. After setting PAT records at Dexter High School, Sislo spent three seasons at Davenport University before transferring to Michigan State. Though he didn’t appear in a game for the Spartans, Sislo earned back-to-back academic honors. (Source: Michigan State Athletics)

Cole Cabana – NCAA Division I Running Back

Cole Cabana arrived at the University of Michigan as one of the most electric high school prospects in the country—and with the résumé to back it up. The Dexter native amassed nearly 5,800 all-purpose yards and 79 touchdowns in high school, leading his team to the state semifinals and earning MLive Player of the Year honors. After limited playing time at Michigan, Cabana transferred to Western Michigan University, where he continues to bring speed, explosiveness, and versatility to the running back position. (Sources: ESPN, Western Michigan State Athletics)

Brennan Parachek – Big Ten Tight End

At 6-foot-5 and 251 pounds, Brennan Parachek has been a force for the Michigan State Spartans, contributing on offense and special teams since his freshman year. The former Dexter High standout made headlines in high school not only as a top-ranked tight end, but also as a dominant defensive lineman and punter. Parachek’s all-around athleticism helped Dexter reach the state semifinals for the first time in school history. At MSU, he’s been a consistent contributor, earning Academic All-Big Ten honors while logging snaps in more than 20 games across multiple seasons. (Source: Michigan State Athletics).

Cooper Arnedt – Record-Setting Quarterback

A standout quarterback for Dexter High School, Cooper Arnedt led the Dexter Dreadnaughts to a 12-win season and an appearance in the MHSAA Division 2 State Championship game in 2025. During his career, he set the MHSAA record with 4,537 passing yards and threw 53 touchdown passes, ranking second all-time in Michigan high school football history. (Source: SI.com).

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