5 Super Athletes With Ties To Napa Valley

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Napa Valley 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. Donny Robinson (BMX Cycling)

Donny Robinson, an Olympic medalist in BMX cycling, proudly hails from Napa. At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Robinson secured a bronze medal, cementing his status as one of the sport's pioneers. Among his many accomplishments, he became the first BMX athlete to win both the UCI Junior Men’s World Championship cruiser and standard classes in the same year and was crowned the inaugural USA Cycling BMX National Champion in 2007. A former competitive gymnast, Robinson attributes his early training to building the strength and resilience needed for his cycling success.

2. Darlene Ah-Mau Kempin (Basketball, Softball, Track & Field, Volleyball)

A standout multi-sport athlete from Napa High School, Darlene Ah-Mau Kempin left a lasting legacy in Napa Valley athletics. As a three-year varsity volleyball player, she helped secure the MEL championship in 1982 while earning All-League and All-County honors, showcasing her talent and leadership across multiple disciplines. In basketball, she led Napa High to numerous championships, earning MEL Most Valuable Player and All-County Team honors while averaging 11 points per game in her senior year. Ah-Mau also showcased her versatility in track, competing in hurdles, high jump and relays, and even scored two touchdowns in Napa High’s Powderpuff Football victory. Though a knee injury curtailed her collegiate athletic prospects, Ah-Mau remains active in sports through U.S.T.A. League tennis, continuing her connection to athletics and her Napa Valley roots.

3. Larry Allen (Football)

The NFL’s Larry Allen is celebrated as one of the strongest offensive linemen in football history, with a legacy that includes 11 Pro Bowl selections, a Super Bowl XXX championship, and induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013. Known for his rare combination of size, strength and speed, Allen left his mark on teams like the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers, earning accolades for his versatility and resilience on the field. His connection to Napa Valley began during his senior year at Vintage High School, where his natural talent started to shine. Allen's achievements continue to inspire, from his record-breaking strength to his role in shaping NFL history.

4. James Bickford (Stock Car Racing)

A skilled stock car racing driver, James Bickford hails from Napa, where his journey in motorsports began. Competing in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West, Bickford made his mark driving the No. 6 Ford Fusion and earning accolades like Rookie of the Year honors at Ukiah Speedway (2010) and the K&N Pro Series West (2014). With over 200 main event victories and multiple championships, including the NASCAR Whelen All-American Late Model Series title in 2013, Bickford's talent runs in the family — he is the paternal cousin of NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon.

5. Nikita Ducarroz (BMX Freestyle)

Nikita Ducarroz, a world-class BMX freestyle cyclist, was born in Nice, France, and raised in Napa Valley, where she discovered her passion for the sport while growing up in Glen Ellen. Through BMX, she overcame severe social anxiety, transforming both her mental health and athletic career. Representing Switzerland, Ducarroz earned a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, adding to an impressive record that includes silver at the 2021 BMX World Championships and gold at the European Championships. She placed 10th in the Women's Park event at the 2024 Paris Olympics, continuing to inspire her local and global communities.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.