5 Super Athletes With Ties To Redlands-Loma Linda

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Redlands-Loma Linda 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. Matt Andriese (Baseball)

Matt Andriese, a professional baseball pitcher and Redlands East Valley High School alum, has had an extensive career in Major League Baseball (MLB) and abroad. After playing college baseball for UC Riverside, Andriese was drafted by the San Diego Padres in 2011. Over the years, he pitched for teams including the Tampa Bay Rays, Arizona Diamondbacks and Boston Red Sox, earning recognition for a complete game shutout during his time with the Rays. Andriese also competed internationally with the Yomiuri Giants in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball League. Known for his versatility on the mound, he remains a celebrated figure from Redlands, embodying the town's strong athletic tradition.

2. Doris Niles (Dance)

Doris Niles, a Redlands-born ballet and concert dancer, gained acclaim for her mastery of Spanish classical and ethnic dances. After studying in New York and abroad, she performed across Europe, particularly in Spain, where she trained with Jose Otero. Her career flourished in Los Angeles during the 1940s, with performances praised for their charm and technical precision. Known for her ability to fuse lyrical expression with nationalistic choreography, Niles left a lasting legacy in the world of dance.

3. Patrick Johnson (Football)

Patrick Johnson, a Redlands High School graduate, achieved success as both a professional football player and an Olympic-caliber sprinter. A star wide receiver at the University of Oregon, he contributed to pivotal seasons that bolstered the Ducks’ football program. Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 1998, Johnson won a Super Bowl ring with the team and later played for several NFL franchises. Beyond football, he excelled in track and field, winning a silver medal at the 1994 World Junior Championships.

4. Lacey Schwimmer (Dancer)

Lacey Schwimmer, a Redlands native, rose to prominence as a finalist on So You Think You Can Dance and a professional on Dancing with the Stars. Trained in ballroom and swing dancing from a young age, she earned top rankings at the U.S. Open Swing Dance Championships. Schwimmer partnered with celebrities like Lance Bass and Chaz Bono, showcasing her charisma and technical expertise. In addition to performing, she teaches dance and has developed her own line of dancewear, further cementing her influence in the industry.

5. Tyler Chatwood (Baseball)

Tyler Chatwood, a professional baseball pitcher from Redlands East Valley High School, made his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Angels in 2011. Known for his resilience, Chatwood overcame injuries to achieve a standout 2016 season with the Colorado Rockies, leading the league in road ERA. He later pitched for teams like the Chicago Cubs, Toronto Blue Jays and Reno Aces, and even joined Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league.

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