5 Super Athletes With Ties To Fresno

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Fresno area, these values have shaped some truly remarkable athletes from different eras, whose accomplishments continue to inspire.

Patch has teamed up with T-Mobile to spotlight five standout athletes whose achievements have left a lasting mark on our community. While this list is just a snapshot, there are countless others who have helped shape the rich sports culture in our area.

1. Jenifer Alcorn (Boxing)

A three-time world champion with an undefeated record, Jenifer “All-American” Alcorn made a name for herself by delivering explosive knockouts. Originally from Le Grand before settling in Fresno, Alcorn stood out in local athletics — including catching for Fresno State’s softball team — before turning to boxing. Her devastating right hand and relentless training regimen led to numerous first-round TKO victories, and her dedication to setting a positive example for her children became the driving force behind her career. Although she retired at the top of the sport, Alcorn remains a revered figure in Fresno for her boxing achievements and commitment to the community.

2. Laura Berg (Softball)

Laura Berg achieved legendary status while starring for Fresno State, where she helped capture the 1998 Women’s College World Series title as a four-time All-American. She is the only softball player ever to compete in four Olympic Games, bringing home three gold medals and one silver for Team USA — an unprecedented feat in the sport. Today, Berg’s legacy lives on both in her coaching career and in the hearts of those in Fresno who watched her rise to stardom.

3. Ewell Blackwell (Baseball)

Nicknamed “The Whip” for his distinctive sidearm pitching style, Ewell Blackwell grew up in Fresno before dominating Major League batters throughout the 1940s and ’50s. He became a six-time All-Star, primarily with the Cincinnati Reds, known for his fierce competitiveness and nearly unhittable delivery. In 1952, he joined the New York Yankees and pitched in the World Series, helping the team win the year’s championship.

4. Bruce Bowen (Basketball)

A graduate of Edison High School in Fresno, Bruce Bowen etched his name among the NBA’s premier defenders as a lock-down small forward. After playing collegiate ball at Cal State Fullerton, Bowen’s professional career included stints with the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers and, most notably, the San Antonio Spurs. There, his suffocating perimeter defense helped the Spurs capture three NBA championships. His story remains a source of pride in Fresno, where he first honed the tenacity that defined his career.

5. Henry Ellard (Football)

A Fresno native who starred at Hoover High, Henry Ellard electrified the NFL for 16 seasons as one of the league’s premier wide receivers. After an outstanding collegiate career at Fresno State — where he set an NCAA record for yards per catch — Ellard was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams. He went on to log multiple thousand-yard receiving campaigns with the Rams, Washington Redskins and New England Patriots. Ellard’s elite athleticism also extended to track and field, nearly earning him an Olympic berth in the triple jump.

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