Sports
Vikings Pride: 5 Unforgettable Athletes From D.H. Conley High School
From local fields to national fame, these stars got their start in Greenville.
Sports run deep in Greenville, and D.H. Conley High School has long been at the heart of it. It’s no surprise some standout talent once wore the Vikings uniform. Today we're celebrating five unforgettable athletes from D.H. Conley High School who made a name for themselves well beyond the hometown field.
1. Alex White – MLB Pitcher (Cleveland Guardians)
Former Viking Alex White went on to play collegiate baseball at the University of North Carolina, where he established himself as one of the top pitchers in the ACC. White went professional in 2009, being selected in the first round of the MLB Draft for the then-Cleveland Indians (now the Cleveland Guardians). (Sources: University of North Carolina Athletics, MLB)
2. Keith Gatlin – Division 1 Basketball Player & Coach
After starring at D.H. Conley High School, Keith Gatlin continued his basketball career at the University of Maryland, where he earned All-ACC honors and played a key role for the Terrapins. Following his playing career, he transitioned into coaching, serving in leadership roles at the Division 1 collegiate level and in player development programs. (Sources: University of Maryland Athletics, High Point University Athletics, RISE Indoor Sports)
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3. Holton Ahlers – NFL & UFL Quarterback (Seattle Seahawks, Arlington Renegades)
D.H. Conley alum Holton Ahlers went on to star at East Carolina University, where he became one of the most productive quarterbacks in program history. After going undrafted in 2023, he signed with the Seattle Seahawks and spent time on the team’s offseason and practice squad before continuing his professional career with the Arlington Renegades of the United Football League. Ahlers later announced his retirement, transitioning into entrepreneurship and supporting small and midsized businesses. (Sources: East Carolina University Athletics, The Football Database, Holton Ahlers)
4. Darlene Cannon – Trailblazing Women’s Basketball Player
Darlene Cannon made history as D.H. Conley High’s first female basketball player to receive a Division I scholarship. Her achievement marked a significant milestone for women’s athletics at Conley and helped pave the way for future generations of players, netting her an induction into the school’s inaugural Hall of Fame. (Source: Reflector)5. James Johnson – National Champion, Greco-Roman Wrestling
Former Viking James Johnson rose to national prominence in Greco-Roman wrestling, earning U.S. national titles and representing the United States in international competition. His career left a lasting legacy in the sport and was later honored through his induction into Conley’s Hall of Fame. (Sources: Reflector, The Mat)This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.