Pioneer Pride: 5 Unforgettable Athletes From Kirkwood High School

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

Colleen Lischwe – Water Polo Pioneer

A trailblazer in the sport of water polo, Colleen Lischwe left an indelible mark on Kirkwood and beyond. Twice named Missouri Female Water Polo Player of the Year during her time at Kirkwood High, she went on to compete at the NCAA Division I level with Marist College before returning home to coach. Lischwe became the first female head coach of an NCAA men’s water polo team at McKendree University and earned multiple Coach of the Year honors. Her legacy lives on in the countless athletes and coaches she mentored before her tragic passing in 2025. (Sources: Times Newspapers, Instagram)

Jeremy Maclin – First-Round NFL Draft Pick

Before he became a first-round NFL draft pick and Pro Bowl wide receiver, Jeremy Maclin made a name for himself at Kirkwood High School. A two-sport letterman in football and basketball, Maclin went on to break NCAA freshman records at the University of Missouri and totaled over 6,800 receiving yards in the NFL. He played for the Eagles, Chiefs, and Ravens across eight seasons, all while staying deeply connected to his Kirkwood community. (Sources: Fox 2 Now, Pro-Football Reference)

Angela Mostek – Basketball Sharpshooter

A hardworking guard with a team-first mentality, Angela Mostek starred on Kirkwood’s varsity basketball team until her graduation in 2023. She then continued her career at Rockford University and became known for her shooting and defensive skills. Mostek is equally dedicated off the court: She is majoring in psychology and earning a spot on the RU Athletic Director's Honor Roll as a freshman. (Sources: NCSA Sports, Rockford Regents)

Marcus ‘Soup’ Harris – Dual-Threat Quarterback & Arena League Star

Marcus Harris made waves at Kirkwood High as a dual-threat quarterback, leading the team to a state championship appearance and earning all-state recognition. He transitioned to wide receiver at Murray State and built a professional career that spanned the NFL, UFL, and Arena Football League. With stints on the Detroit Lions, New York Giants, and Baltimore Brigade, “Soup” Harris carved out a name for himself as a reliable and explosive pass-catcher. (Sources: GoRacers, AP Archive)

Chase Niece – All-Championship Soccer Star & MLS Next Pro League Player

A top-150 national recruit and Kirkwood soccer standout, Chase Niece brought his talent to Saint Louis University after redshirting at Tulsa. With six goals and two assists across 63 appearances for the Billikens, Niece earned A-10 All-Championship team honors and caught the eye of MLS scouts. Drafted by FC Dallas in 2022, he later signed with North Texas SC in the MLS Next Pro league, continuing his path in professional soccer. (Sources: SLU Billikens, SLSG Soccer)

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