Wildcat Pride: 5 Unforgettable Athletes From Lexington High School

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

Shaq Roland – Parade All-American Turned Pro Wide Receiver

Lexington High School standout Shaq Roland was one of the top wide receiver prospects in the country, earning PARADE All-America honors and being named South Carolina’s Mr. Football in 2011 after a senior season with 24 touchdowns. He joined the Gamecocks as a four-star recruit and followed in the footsteps of Stephon Gilmore, Marcus Lattimore and Jadeveon Clowney. After brief stints at Prairie View A&M and Winston-Salem State, Roland signed as an undrafted free agent with the Chicago Bears and later played in the Arena Football League. (Sources: GamecocksOnline, The State)

Olivia Thompson – National Champion Turned Podcast Host

Lexington native Olivia Thompson walked on to the University of South Carolina’s women’s basketball team and ended her career with an SEC scholarship, three Final Four appearances, and a 2022 national title. Though she played limited minutes, Thompson’s love for the program inspired her to launch “The Coop” podcast after graduation, spotlighting the unsung heroes of women’s sports. Her media career now includes interviews with players, coaches and staff from across South Carolina athletics. (Sources: Greenville News, GamecocksOnline)

Demetris Summers – High School Football Legend & Youth Mentor

Once the No. 3 high school running back in the country, Lexington’s Demetris Summers set state records with 9,076 rushing yards and 127 touchdowns. He signed with South Carolina but was cut after his sophomore year, then played briefly with the Dallas Cowboys and Calgary Stampeders. After serving nearly seven years in prison, Summers has returned to Lexington with a renewed purpose: launching a youth football camp and a mentoring program called “ROCROY” to help at-risk kids avoid the same mistakes. (Sources: Carolina News & Reporter, The State)

Maureen Dunnagan – Golf Champion with a Six-Time State Title Run

A foundational star of Lexington High School’s dominant girls' golf dynasty, Maureen “Mo” Dunnagan helped lead the Wildcats to six consecutive state titles and won the individual championship in 2009. She earned South Carolina Player of the Year honors before competing collegiately for NC State and San Diego State, where she earned All-American Scholar recognition and played in national tournaments. (Sources: ColaDaily, San Diego State)

Nick Ciuffo – First-Round MLB Draft Pick and Gold Medalist

Lexington High alum Nick Ciuffo starred behind the plate for the Wildcats, helping the team win a state championship in 2013 and earning South Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year honors. A first-round MLB draft pick by the Tampa Bay Rays, Ciuffo also helped Team USA win gold at the 2011 World Youth Baseball Championship. He appeared in the majors with both the Rays and Orioles before retiring in 2023. (Sources: Count On 2, MLB.com)

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