5 Unforgettable Athletes From Ames High School

From local fields to national fame, these stars got their start in Ames.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 4:55pm

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This post celebrates five standout athletes who attended Ames High School and went on to achieve remarkable success at the collegiate and professional levels in basketball and wrestling. The athletes highlighted include Harrison Barnes, Caroline Waite, Fred Hoiberg, Lexa Rozevink, and Doug McDermott.

Why it matters

Ames High School has a proud tradition of producing talented athletes who have gone on to make names for themselves in their respective sports. This story showcases the school's ability to cultivate and develop elite-level talent, inspiring current and future students to pursue their athletic dreams.

The details

The five athletes featured in this story have all achieved significant milestones in their careers. Harrison Barnes became an accomplished NBA player, Caroline Waite competed in Division I college basketball, Fred Hoiberg had a successful playing and coaching career, Lexa Rozevink set a school record for career wrestling wins, and Doug McDermott became one of the most prolific scorers in NCAA history before being drafted into the NBA.

  • Harrison Barnes graduated from Ames High School and went on to play in the NBA, where he currently plays for the San Antonio Spurs.
  • Caroline Waite competed in NCAA Division I basketball, first at Bradley University and then at Illinois State University.
  • Fred Hoiberg played in the NBA after a standout college career at Iowa State University, and later returned to coach the Iowa State men's basketball team.
  • Lexa Rozevink achieved 100 career wins while wrestling for Ames High School, a milestone that places her among the most successful girl wrestlers in school history.
  • Doug McDermott built a nationally renowned basketball career at Creighton University before being drafted into the NBA and playing for several teams, including the Chicago Bulls, Oklahoma City Thunder, and San Antonio Spurs.

The players

Harrison Barnes

An Ames High School alumnus who became one of the most accomplished basketball players to come out of Iowa, starring collegiately at the University of North Carolina before being selected 7th overall in the 2012 NBA Draft. He has had a long NBA career as a versatile forward with teams including the Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, and Sacramento Kings, and currently plays for the San Antonio Spurs. Barnes also represented the United States internationally, earning Olympic gold as part of Team USA at the Tokyo Games.

Caroline Waite

An Ames High School alumna who continued her basketball career at the collegiate level, beginning at Bradley University where she contributed as a guard in Missouri Valley Conference play. She later transferred to Illinois State University, where she continued to compete at the NCAA Division I level in the same conference, bringing consistent scoring and leadership to both programs throughout her college career.

Fred Hoiberg

An Ames High School alumnus who had a standout college career at Iowa State University before playing in the NBA as a shooting guard with the Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls, and other teams. After his playing career, he transitioned into coaching and returned to his alma mater as head coach of Iowa State men's basketball, leading the program across multiple seasons.

Lexa Rozevink

While competing for Ames High School, Lexa Rozevink became one of the program's most accomplished wrestlers, achieving 100 career wins — a milestone that places her among the most successful girl wrestlers in school history. Her achievements at state tournaments and on the mats reflect strength, dedication, and historic performance for a female wrestler within the Iowa wrestling community.

Doug McDermott

An Ames High School alumnus who built a nationally renowned basketball career that began at Creighton University, where he became one of the most prolific scorers in NCAA history, earning National Player of the Year honors. He was drafted in the first round of the NBA Draft and has had a long professional career as a scoring forward with teams including the Chicago Bulls, Oklahoma City Thunder, and San Antonio Spurs, gaining recognition for his shooting and offensive efficiency.

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The takeaway

Ames High School has a proud tradition of producing talented athletes who have gone on to achieve remarkable success at the collegiate and professional levels. This story highlights the school's ability to cultivate and develop elite-level talent, inspiring current and future students to pursue their athletic dreams and follow in the footsteps of these unforgettable Ames High School alumni.