Aztecs Pride: 5 Unforgettable Athletes From Palm Desert High School

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

1. James Dockery - Former NFL Defensive Back

As an Aztec, Dockery led the team to a Desert Valley League title as the Defensive MVP before becoming an All-Conference player at Oregon State and entering the league undrafted in 2011, enjoying a short stay in the league. (Source: OSUBeavers.com)

2. Desirae Krawczyk - Olympian, US Open & Wimbledon Winner (Tennis)

A well-known Palm Desert alum, Krawczyk continued her tennis career at Arizona State before capturing wins at the US Open and Wimbledon. She became an Olympian with her ninth-place finish in the 2024 Olympics. (Source: TeamUSA.com)

3. Nicole Castrale - Professional Golfer (LPGA)

Winner of the Southern California Golf Association High School State Title in high school, Castrale was a three-time member of the All-PAC team at USC and also collected LPGA tour wins at the Ginn Tribute and two as a member of the Solheim Cup team. (Source: LPGA.com)

4. D.J. Alexander - NFL Pro Bowler

A Co-Desert Valley League MVP and former 100 and 200-meter record holder at Palm Desert, Alexander’s speedy background assisted his college career and helped him get drafted in the fifth round by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2015. He was a Pro Bowler in 2016. (Source: OSUBeavers.com)

5. Jeremiah Estrada - MLB Pitcher (San Diego Padres)

The final and most recent alum on the list, Estrada was a highly regarded recruit in high school selected in the sixth round of the 2017 draft by the Chicago Cubs. He has made a few stops in his MLB career since then, and is currently a member of the San Diego Padres. (Source: MLB.com)

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