Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Flint area, these values have shaped some truly remarkable athletes from different eras, whose accomplishments continue to inspire.
Patch is celebrating five standout athletes whose achievements have left a lasting mark on our community. This list is just a snapshot, with countless other athletes helping shape the rich sports culture in our area.
Claressa Shields grew up in Flint and took up boxing at age 11, eventually becoming the first American boxer, man or woman, to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals, winning middleweight gold in 2012 and again in 2016. She turned pro afterward and has gone on to become the only fighter, man or woman, to be an undisputed champion in three different weight divisions. Shields has continued to credit her hometown for her success and regularly returns to Flint to give back to the community.
A Flint Northern High School alum, Deanna Nolan led the Vikings to back-to-back state titles and was named Michigan's Miss Basketball in 1996 before heading to the University of Georgia. The Detroit Shock drafted her sixth overall in 2001, and she went on to win three WNBA championships and earn Finals MVP honors in 2006. Nolan was named to the WNBA's 20th Anniversary Team in 2016 and was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 2024.
Mateen Cleaves starred at Flint Northern before leading Michigan State to the 2000 NCAA national championship, where he was named the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player despite playing through a sprained ankle. He remains the school's all-time leader in career assists and steals, and he was twice named Big Ten Player of the Year. Cleaves was drafted 14th overall by the Detroit Pistons in 2000 and went on to play six seasons in the NBA.
Paul Krause was born in Flint and starred at nearby Bendle High School before a 16-year NFL career with the Washington Redskins and Minnesota Vikings. He still holds the NFL record for career interceptions, with 81, and started at safety in four Super Bowls for Minnesota's defense. Krause was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998.
Born without a right hand, Jim Abbott grew up in Flint, where he taught himself to pitch and field using a technique he developed throwing a ball against a brick wall in his backyard. He starred at the University of Michigan, won the 1987 Golden Spikes Award and pitched Team USA to a gold medal at the 1988 Olympics before a 10-year MLB career. On September 4, 1993, Abbott threw a no-hitter for the New York Yankees against the Cleveland Indians, one of only 10 in franchise history.
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