Wolverines Pride: 5 Unforgettable Athletes From West High School

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

1. Jarred Kelenic – MLB Outfielder (Chicago White Sox)

Kelenic is a professional baseball outfielder and a former top MLB draft prospect. During his time at Waukesha West High School, he excelled enough to be considered one of the best prep players in the country before entering the pros. Kelenic was selected sixth overall in the 2018 MLB Draft by the New York Mets out of high school and was immediately traded to the Seattle Mariners. Kelenic made his MLB debut with Seattle in 2021 and had his best professional season in 2023. In late 2025, he signed a minor-league contract with the Chicago White Sox. (Sources: MLB)

2. Joe Schobert – NFL Linebacker (Cleveland Browns)

Schobert was a standout athlete at Waukesha West. His career was decorated with accolades in football, basketball and track, with the highest regard in football being named County and Conference Player of the Year, as well as All-State and All-Region before walking on at the University of Wisconsin as a linebacker. He contributed immediately, developing into one of the best defenders in college football and earned First-Team All-American and Big Ten Linebacker of the Year honors. Schobert was selected in the fourth round of the NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns, instantly becoming an impact defender and earning a Pro Bowl selection his sophomore season. He made an impact on several NFL teams before officially retiring after the 2022 season. (Sources: ESPN, UWBadgers)

3. Dan Solwold “Austin Aries” – Professional Wrestler

Solwold Jr., better known by his ring name Austin Aries, is a professional wrestler and entertainer who also attended Waukesha West High School. Aries started in independent wrestling and later became a major figure, appearing in Ring of Honor and Impact Wrestling. He is a multi-time world champion, including two ROH World Championship reigns and three Impact TNA World Heavyweight Championships and holds multiple X Division titles. A world-renowned figure in the wrestling community, Aries competes at the highest levels in the sport, bringing both competition and entertainment. (Sources: ProFightDB, IMDB)

4. Erik Sowinski – World Track Star

Sowinski made his mark at Waukesha West as an elite 800-meter runner, becoming a multi-event State Champion, garnering multiple All-Conference and All-State accolades and competing at the Nike Outdoors Nationals. Sowinski was also an exceptional basketball player, lettering two seasons and earning All-Conference honors. His running continued at the University of Iowa, continuing the accomplishments, setting school records and receiving multiple All-American Honors. As a professional runner, Sowinski has been a three-time national indoor champion, held an American indoor record and medaled at the 2016 World Indoor Championships, receiving bronze. He is still competing indoors and outdoors today. (Sources: HawkeyeSports, WorldAthletics)

5. Dani Rhodes – NWSL Forward (Chicago Stars)

Rhodes is a former standout soccer player from Waukesha West. The prolific scorer was twice named Gatorade Wisconsin Girls Soccer Player of the Year, an All-American and set school records for goals scored. Rhodes continued her offensive stardom at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and instantly picked up where she left off, scoring many clutch goals and moments for the team. She was named the Big Ten Forward of the Year in 2019 and received All-American Honors, along with many other accolades. Rhodes played briefly in the NWSL with the Chicago Stars and overseas in Iceland before officially retiring from the sport in 2023. (Sources: Gatorade, ESPN)

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