5 Super Athletes With Ties To San Anselmo-Fairfax

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the San Anselmo-Fairfax 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. Natu Tuatagaloa (Football)

A proud Marin County native, Natu Tuatagaloa made his mark in American football. Tuatagaloa excelled at San Rafael High School before continuing his career at University of California, Berkeley. He went on to play for NFL teams like the Cincinnati Bengals, Seattle Seahawks, Houston Oilers and New Orleans Saints. Post-retirement, Tuatagaloa pursued a successful business career and became a community leader, serving on the San Rafael City School Board for 20 years.

2. Jake Curhan (Football)

Jake Curhan, a standout football player from Marin County, first gained recognition as a San Francisco All-Metro selection during his senior year. His achievements at the local level served as a springboard to a promising career, including a standout tenure at University of California, Berkeley. He then went on to sign with the Seattle Seahawks, later joining the Chicago Bears.

3. Linsey Corbin (Triathlon)

Linsey Corbin, an accomplished American triathlete, has earned a reputation for her success in long-distance, non-drafting events. A standout in the sport, she achieved a career highlight in 2011 with a third-place finish at the Ironman 70.3 World Championship. Corbin has ties to Marin County, where her journey in endurance sports began, reflecting the area’s rich athletic spirit.

4. Eleanor Garatti (Swimming)

A trailblazing swimmer from Marin County, Eleanor Garatti was a key figure in American swimming during the late 1920s and early 1930s. Known for her relay excellence, she contributed to the U.S. Olympic Gold Medal wins in the 400-meter freestyle relay at both the 1928 and 1932 Games. Additionally, Garatti captured four U.S. National Sprint Championships between 1925 and 1929, cementing her legacy as one of the region’s most decorated athletes.

5. Winston Venable (Football)

Winston Venable, a Marin County native and San Rafael High School alum, is the running backs coach and player development director at Boise State. A former Boise State linebacker (2009–2010), he secured a Fiesta Bowl victory with a game-clinching interception and earned CFL All-Star honors during his professional career with the Montreal Alouettes. Venable returned to Boise State after retiring to earn his bachelor’s degree in communication and transition into coaching and player development.

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